Fortifying the future of Security for AI: Cisco Announces intent to acquire Robust Intelligence

The 2024 Cisco AI Readiness Index reveals a near-unanimous consensus: 95% of respondents believe AI will significantly impact IT infrastructure and security. It’s no surprise that these businesses are prioritizing IT modernization and advanced cybersecurity to prepare for AI’s transformative potential. 

The rapid evolution of enterprise AI demands robust security measures. As organizations increasingly rely on AI applications for innovation and efficiency, safeguarding these applications and their underlying models becomes critical. Traditional security tools often fall short in addressing the unique challenges posed by AI, creating a pressing need for specialized solutions. 

Cisco has long recognized the critical intersection of AI and security. Our vision for the Cisco Security Cloud centers on leveraging the power of AI to simplify security, enhance user experiences, and proactively defend against emerging threats. With unparalleled expertise in all things where the network meets security, we’re committed to empowering customers on their AI journey, wherever they happen to be. 

Today, we are thrilled to announce a significant step in securing the AI-driven enterprise with our intent to acquire Robust Intelligence, Inc., a trailblazing company at the forefront of AI security solutions and a valued member of our Cisco Investments portfolio. Robust Intelligence’s purpose-built platform offers robust protection for AI models throughout their lifecycle, from development to production. Through advanced automation and risk mitigation, Robust Intelligence empowers organizations to securely deploy AI applications while adhering to industry and regulatory standards.

Why Robust Intelligence?  

We see Robust Intelligence as a natural fit for Cisco that reinforces our dedication to responsible AI and providing better outcomes through security for AI and AI for security. Robust Intelligence’s focus and deep expertise in AI model security and governance perfectly complements our existing capabilities, accelerating our roadmap for the Cisco Security Cloud. The combination of Cisco and Robust Intelligence means that we can deliver advanced AI security processing seamlessly into the existing data flows, by inserting it into Cisco security and networking products. This will provide Cisco with unparalleled visibility into all of a customer’s AI traffic, enabling customers to build, deploy, and secure AI applications with confidence. Key benefits include: 

• Enhanced AI Security: Robust Intelligence’s technology, integrated into the Cisco Security Cloud, strengthens our ability to protect AI applications and models against a wide range of threats. This includes mitigating risks like prompt injection, data poisoning, jailbreaking, and unintentional model outcomes. All detections and tests are mapped to industry and regulatory standards like OWASP and MITRE ATLAS.
  
• Accelerated Innovation: The combined expertise of Cisco and Robust Intelligence will drive rapid innovation in AI security, ensuring customers stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape. Robust Intelligence’s technology and expertise will enhance our innovations in many areas including simplified configuration, attack prediction, adaptive policy enforcement, and user experience. 
• Simplified Operations: Robust Intelligence’s focus on automated model assessment and proactive AI risk mitigation aligns seamlessly with the Cisco Security Cloud. This unified approach will allow customers to secure their network, AI applications, and users all in one place.