Mikko Hyppönen Shifts Focus from Malware to Drone Cybersecurity

• •Mikko Hyppönen has shifted focus from malware to drone cybersecurity.
• •His keynote at Black Hat emphasized the invisible nature of cybersecurity work.
• •The rise of drone warfare, especially in Ukraine, presents new cybersecurity challenges.

Mikko Hyppönen, a veteran in the cybersecurity field, has transitioned from combating malware to addressing the cybersecurity challenges posed by drones. During his keynote at the Black Hat conference in Las Vegas in 2025, he highlighted the invisible nature of cybersecurity work, where success often goes unnoticed. With over 35 years of experience in malware analysis, Hyppönen is now focusing on the threats posed by drones, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles in warfare. He believes that the cybersecurity aspects of drone warfare are largely uncharted territory, presenting new challenges for the industry. Hyppönen's insights come at a time when the geopolitical landscape is increasingly influenced by drone technology, especially given the tensions with Russia. His early career involved hacking video games, which laid the foundation for his cybersecurity expertise. The shift in focus reflects a broader trend in the industry as new technologies emerge and old threats evolve.