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Mysten Labs CTO Sam Blackshear joins Anthropic for AI security research

Created at 6 Aug · 1:40 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Sam Blackshear, co-founder and CTO of Mysten Labs, is leaving the blockchain company to join AI firm Anthropic. He will focus on defensive security research amid growing concerns about AI's role in cyberattacks.

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Who's Involved

Sam Blackshear
Co-founder and CTO of Mysten Labs, joining Anthropic for AI security
Mysten Labs
Blockchain company co-founded by Blackshear
Anthropic
AI company where Blackshear will work on security
Evan Cheng
Co-founder and CEO of Mysten Labs, taking over technical vision

↳ Why This Matters

The move highlights the growing importance of AI security as artificial intelligence becomes more powerful, potentially exacerbating cyber threats and necessitating specialized defensive research within leading AI companies.

Key facts

  • Sam Blackshear, co-founder and CTO of Mysten Labs, is leaving the company.
  • Blackshear will join Anthropic to focus on defensive security research.
  • He stated that AI is changing the landscape of cyberattack capabilities.
  • Blackshear will continue to advise Mysten Labs and the Sui ecosystem.

Sam Blackshear, the co-founder and chief technology officer of Mysten Labs, has announced his departure from the blockchain company to join Anthropic. Blackshear will focus on defensive security research at Anthropic, citing concerns about the evolving balance between cyber attackers and defenders due to advancements in artificial intelligence.

Blackshear, who co-founded Mysten Labs, the creator of the Sui blockchain, in September 2021, expressed his motivation to work on security challenges amplified by AI's increasing use in identifying software vulnerabilities, automating phishing, and accelerating attacks on blockchain infrastructure. He stated that he has been happiest when engaged in hands-on technical work and exploring new problem domains, which this opportunity at Anthropic provides.

Following Blackshear's departure, Mysten Labs co-founder and CEO Evan Cheng will assume responsibility for the company's technical vision. Blackshear will maintain his involvement as a close advisor to Mysten and the Sui ecosystem, and intends to stay engaged with the Move Foundation.

Frequently asked questions

Sam Blackshear is the co-founder and former chief technology officer of Mysten Labs, the creator of the Sui blockchain. He is now joining Anthropic.

He will focus on defensive security research, particularly concerning the impact of AI on cybersecurity.

Mysten Labs is a company co-founded by Sam Blackshear, known for developing the Sui blockchain.

Yes, he will continue to serve as a close advisor to Mysten Labs and the Sui ecosystem.

What Happens Next

01Blackshear will begin his role at Anthropic.
02Evan Cheng will lead Mysten Labs' technical vision.

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Cadence

How It Developed

Sam Blackshear is stepping down as CTO of Mysten Labs.
Blackshear will join Anthropic to work on AI security research.
He cited AI's shifting balance between attackers and defenders as motivation.
Blackshear will remain an advisor to Mysten Labs and the Sui ecosystem.

Sources

T1
Mysten Labs tech chief joins Anthropic to work on AI securityMysten Labs’ co-founder Sam Blackshear said he is joining Anthropic as AI shifts the balance between attackers and defenders.Cointelegraph

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