AI Changed the Exposure Problem. Validation Needs to Change With It.

The increasing use of AI in cybersecurity is changing the landscape of vulnerability discovery, with findings being made at a faster rate and larger scale. As a result, defenders are facing a growing challenge in determining which vulnerabilities require their attention. In the first half of 2026, the number of published CVEs surged to 35,853, representing a 49% increase. This rise in vulnerability discovery is highlighting the need for changes in validation processes to help defenders effectively prioritize their responses. The growing volume of vulnerability findings is creating a significant exposure problem for defenders to manage. The need for adapted validation methods is becoming increasingly important to address this issue.