In the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), one Seattle-based cybersecurity startup is taking the lead in securing machine learning systems for large enterprises. Protect AI recently raised an impressive $35 million in funding to bolster the rollout of its innovative platform, designed to protect companies from potential violations and cyber-attacks on their AI code.
The Need for AI Security:
With AI becoming a central focus for many enterprise-level executives, there’s a growing mandate to incorporate AI technology into their product suites. However, this rapid adoption comes with increased risks that need to be addressed. According to a KPMG survey, only 6% of organizations have a dedicated team for evaluating risk and implementing risk mitigation strategies in their generative AI strategy. Protect AI aims to bridge this gap by providing cutting-edge solutions to protect AI systems.
Meet AI Radar – The Flagship Product:
Protect AI’s flagship product, AI Radar, is a powerful software that allows companies to monitor the various layers and components of their machine learning systems. By detecting potential violations and logging information on attacks, AI Radar provides essential security to large enterprises operating in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, life sciences, energy, government, and tech.
Understanding the Machine Learning “Supply Chain”:
To ensure comprehensive security, Protect AI’s AI Radar creates a machine learning “bill of materials.” This bill tracks a company’s software supply chain components, including operations tools, platforms, models, data, services, and cloud infrastructure. CEO Ian Swanson aptly compares it to regular automotive maintenance, where constant checks are performed on tires, brakes, and fuel usage. Understanding the ingredients and the recipe of AI systems is crucial for maintaining their safety and integrity.
The Impact of Vulnerabilities:
The importance of securing AI systems is further emphasized by real-life examples. Protect AI discovered a vulnerability in MLflow, a popular machine learning lifecycle platform used by well-known companies such as Walmart, Time Warner, and Prudential. By presenting their findings in March, Protect AI prompted MLflow to update its platform and prevent potential malicious attacks.
A Strong Presence in the AI Cybersecurity Space:
In a landscape with several well-funded startups focused on AI cybersecurity, Protect AI stands out with its comprehensive approach. Their tools, including the open-sourced NB Defense app for addressing vulnerabilities in development platform Jupyter Notebooks, are compatible with major cloud platforms like Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services.
The Team behind Protect AI:
Led by CEO Ian Swanson, a seasoned entrepreneur and AI expert, the Protect AI team includes experienced professionals like Badar Ahmed, former engineering leader at Oracle and DataScience, and Daryan Dehghanpisheh, a former leader at AWS.
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Series A Funding and Future Prospects:
Protect AI’s recent Series A funding, led by Evolution Equity Partners, with participation from Salesforce Ventures and existing investors, has raised a total of $48.5 million to date. With 25 employees onboard, Protect AI is well-equipped to expand its operations and further its mission of securing the entire machine learning supply chain.
In Conclusion:
As AI continues to revolutionize industries, safeguarding machine learning code is paramount. Protect AI’s cutting-edge solutions and comprehensive approach aim to protect companies from cyber threats and ensure a safe and innovative future for AI-driven technologies.
For more updates on the latest in the startup world and AI cybersecurity, stay tuned to GeekWire’s startup coverage and newsletters. Protect AI is leading the way, and its success will undoubtedly inspire more innovations in this critical space.