Enigma Networks is Developing Software that Protects from Escalating AI-backed Security Threats
Old network security techniques are failing in the face of AI-driven threats. Bob Moul’s latest startup is pioneering a novel approach to tackle this escalating problem. “Hackers don’t traditional hack anymore; they log right in,” explains Moul, a veteran in the software industry, highlighting the stealth-like nature of modern cyberattacks.
Artificial intelligence, with its capability to rapidly analyze vast datasets, is not just enhancing productivity for corporations and research institutions, but also fueling a surge in cybercrime, according to Moul. “Cybercriminals are leveraging AI to slip past defenses and target valuable assets swiftly,” he noted, emphasizing the efficacy with which these threats cloak their actions.
Traditional security measures, such as the perimeter-based “moats and castles” model and basic security programs termed as “agents,” have become inadequate, particularly in non-traditional IT environments like manufacturing floors. This shift is driven by AI-era attackers who quietly infiltrate and navigate through systems, prioritizing stealth and discretion over brute force, as pointed out by Barry Porozni, CTO at OceanFirst Bank’s Spring Garden Capital Group, and an advisor to Moul’s project.
Seizing this opportunity, Moul unveils Enigma Networks, a cybersecurity innovator poised to address these modern threats. Emerging from an 18-month “stealth project” post the sale of his previous startup, Circonus, to Apica, Enigma is strategically rooted in Exton, Chester County.
Founded alongside Mark Viglione, a former cybersecurity engineer at QVC and Ambler tax-software Vertex, Enigma aims to redefine internal network security under the “zero-trust” framework, particularly using its own “zero-trust for internal networks” (ZTNX). This approach ensures robust security by monitoring and tracking every movement within a company’s network without reliance on device-specific agents.
“We are agent-less,” Moul emphasizes, describing how their sensors provide a mirrored traffic copy of the network to identify malicious activities. This methodology not only fortifies defenses but also facilitates comprehensive network oversight, a necessity in today’s complex vendor ecosystems, according to David Wallace, CTO of YPrime.
By enabling full visibility into network operations, Enigma’s platform provides a powerful tool against cyber threats while maintaining a security-first approach that does not expose network blueprints to attackers. “Our platform communicates directly with Google Cloud where we employ AI to detect anomalies and reduce false alerts significantly,” adds Moul. The solution is designed to self-heal, rebooting automatically if compromised.
Targeting heavily regulated sectors like insurance, finance, healthcare, and medical manufacturing, Enigma Networks is setting its sights on industries in dire need of advanced security frameworks. The venture is still in its nascent stages, having completed one pilot phase with plans for a subsequent one in August.
Enigma’s growth is backed by investments from established players like Philadelphia-based Osage Partners, and United Effects Ventures, initiated by Borzou “Bo” Motlagh, a former Vertex software director, and Frank Shultz of Infinite Blue fame.
The investors underscore the necessity of Enigma’s solutions: “To counter AI-enabled threats, industries require cutting-edge security tools,” state Motlagh and Shultz, aligning with Moul’s vision of anticipating and mitigating potential anomalies.
Bob Moul’s reputation precedes him in the Philadelphia tech community. Having steered numerous successful ventures such as Circonus, Cloudamize, Artisan Mobile, Boomi, and SCT, Moul’s legacy is impressive. His journey in technology, sparked in the 1970s when he learned BASIC on a Radio Shack TRS-80, has come full circle as he possibly embarks on his final entrepreneurial chapter with Enigma Networks.
Moul’s leadership and innovative drive continue to sculpt the cybersecurity landscape, presenting solutions adapted to the evolving digital threats of our time. With Enigma Networks, he aims to set new standards in AI-era security, ensuring organizations are equipped to face the unprecedented challenges ahead.
