Harmonic Security, a specialist in the safe deployment of GenAI, has successfully secured a funding round of $7m.
According to MSSP Alert, Leading the seed funding was Ten Eleven Ventures, accompanied by Storm Ventures and an array of 14 private investors.
Generative AI is rapidly becoming a priority for numerous organisations. Such interest is highlighted by recent Gartner poll results, which demonstrated that a vast 78% of 1,400 executive leaders believe the benefits of generative AI surpass its inherent risks. Moreover, 55% confirmed they are either piloting generative AI applications or have already implemented them into production. Surprisingly, about 8,400 such applications are currently accessible.
Despite the evident appeal, Harmonic pointed to the disconcerting reality that a majority of AI applications remain unregulated. The absence of clear guidelines around data usage, transmission, and security means that many of these applications inadvertently heighten the threat of “shadow AI”. This phenomenon involves employees utilising these unregulated AI tools, potentially without official consent, thereby jeopardising their organisation’s data integrity.
Describing the current AI landscape as akin to the “wild west”, Harmonic Security’s CEO Alastair Paterson emphasised the prevalent lack of essential security standards in most AI apps. He further underscored the potential risks to businesses in terms of non-compliance with GDPR and other data security regulations. In a bid to remedy these challenges, Harmonic offers invaluable insights into AI adoption across corporate spheres. Through its comprehensive risk assessments, organisations can pinpoint high-risk AI services, potentially leading to various security, compliance, or privacy incidents. Moreover, Harmonic also facilitates tighter control over AI application access, empowering security teams to robustly defend their data.
Reflecting on Harmonic’s role and future aspirations, Paterson stressed the “critical need” for their services. The company, he said, remains unwavering in its dedication to “protecting data integrity, promoting responsible AI use and fostering trust in tomorrow’s technological advancements.” As Harmonic ventures forward, it aspires to enhance organisations’ visibility into their AI apps, thereby ensuring their security, efficient management, and optimal utilisation.
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