Cybersecurity Titans, Cisco and Check Point, Boost Their AI Investments with Latest Deals
One cannot argue the significant impact of the digital revolution on our lives. However, its compounded vulnerabilities to the cyber threat landscape are towering. Many potential threats surf the internet, making it a fertile ground for hackers and other malicious agents. It is critical to discuss how big corporations are utilizing AI technology and fortifying their cyber shields to deal with these cyber threats more efficiently. Notably, the likes of Check Point Software and Cisco have recently fortified their investments in AI.
Recently, these cybersecurity giants announced their individual plans to enter into acquisitions with startups proficient in AI threat detection and risk management. Cisco decided to acquire Robust Intelligence, a provider of technology that uncovers and evaluates threats in AI applications and models. Simultaneously, Check Point announced the planned acquisition of Cyberint, an external risk management provider specializing in AI threat detection technology. Though these companies have not disclosed the specifics of these deals, they are projected to conclude soon.
The acquisition of Cyberint signals Check Point’s commitment to expanding its horizons by bringing into its ranks a company proficient with dark web threat intelligence, attack surface management, fake website and social media account identification, to mention a few.
These acquisitions follow Check Point’s $1 billion investment fund in June, initiated to broaden and enhance secure and reliable AI solutions. Meanwhile, Cisco’s acquisition of Robust Intelligence may seem small compared to its past $28 billion agreement to acquire Splunk, but it underscores the importance of AI in modern cybersecurity.
In the words of Dave Gruber, an analyst from the Enterprise Strategy Group, “Even if the Cisco or Check Point deals are not material investments, they both herald the acquisition of startups that are poised to enhance the companies’ utilization and safeguarding of AI.”
The Significance of Robust Intelligence for Cisco Security Cloud
Robust Intelligence, founded in 2019 by Harvard researchers Yaron Singer and Kojin Oshiba, has its roots in machine learning. Robust Intelligence revolutionizes risk management through ‘algorithmic red teaming,’ which crafts threat intelligence pipelines and policy mappings and detects vulnerabilities in models and applications.
Using Robust Intelligence’s AI validation and AI Protection products, the ongoing operation identifies potential susceptibilities. The AI validation tool utilizes AI to ‘jailbreak’ large language models (LLMs), sending thousands of inputs to each model and evaluating hundreds of attack techniques. The AI Protection tool enforces recommendations in real time, providing an effective AI firewall.
Robust Intelligence’s expertise in AI model security and governance will exponentially speed up the Cisco Security Cloud roadmap, according to Tom Gillis, senior VP and general manager of Cisco’s Security Business Group.
He further stated that Robust Intelligence’s integration into Cisco’s portfolio would give Cisco unparalleled visibility into all the AI traffic its customers generate. This, in turn, will enable customers to confidently build, deploy, and secure AI applications.
Cyberint: A Valuable Addition to Check Point’s Portfolio
In contrast, the proposed acquisition of Cyberint by Check Point is the company’s first major move since Gil Shwed, the founder and CEO, announced that he would step aside and become the executive chairman. His chosen successor, Nadav Zafrir, is expected to take control as CEO in December.
Moving forward, Cyberint is expected to greatly enhance Check Point’s security operations center (SOC) by extending its managed threat intelligence portfolio. Cyberint’s proficiency in attack surface management, fake website and social media account detection, phishing detection, and supply chain intelligence will also be valuable additions to Check Point.
In conclusion, AI plays a crucial role in the world of cybersecurity. These major investments by cybersecurity giants like Check Point and Cisco highlight the importance of AI in driving effective cybersecurity infrastructure. By acquiring Cyberint and Robust Intelligence, these established companies will be better prepared to deal with cybersecurity challenges now and in the future.
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