News

To Tackle AI-Based Security Threats, Microsoft Invites Protect AI to Startup Accelerator

• By John K. Waters
• January 03, 2025

Microsoft's invite-only Pegasus Program has a new member: Protect AI, maker of a platform for managing security risks and defending against unique AI security threats.

The Pegasus Program supports emerging technology companies by providing strategic business development opportunities, access to technical expertise, and expanded global resources. The inclusion of Protect AI signals the importance to Microsoft of securing enterprises against AI-borne attacks. Through this collaboration, Protect AI will leverage Microsoft's infrastructure to scale its suite of security tools, designed to protect AI systems from evolving cyber threats.

"Becoming part of the Microsoft Pegasus Program is an important step for Protect AI and our growth," said Ian Swanson, CEO of Protect AI, in a statement. "As AI continues to transform industries, securing these systems from sophisticated and unique cybersecurity attacks is more critical than ever. Through this partnership, we will combine our AI security products and expertise with Microsoft's vast infrastructure, enabling us to secure AI systems on a global scale."

The growing adoption of AI in critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government has introduced new and complex security challenges. Protect AI's platform offers end-to-end solutions designed to secure AI systems during both the build and deployment phases. Its product suite includes:

• Guardian: Scans ML models—both internally built and third-party—to identify potential threats.
• Layer: A dedicated tool for securing and monitoring large language model (LLM) runtime environments.
• Recon: An automated red teaming solution for generative AI systems to uncover vulnerabilities and improve model safety.
• Radar: AI/ML bill of materials with a policy engine to enhance transparency and compliance.

The collaboration with Microsoft will allow Protect AI to accelerate product integrations, expand global reach, and fortify AI systems amid rising cybersecurity concerns.

As industries increasingly adopt AI, they face novel security threats that existing tools often fail to address. From vulnerabilities in large-scale AI models to risks within generative AI applications, securing AI has become a priority for enterprises seeking to deploy AI safely and effectively.

"Protect AI has been leading the industry in ensuring organizations around the globe can deploy AI securely, which aligns with our dedication to ensuring customers are able to innovate with speed and confidence," said Tom Davis, Partner at Microsoft for Startups, in a statement. "We are excited to welcome them to the Pegasus Program and embrace the opportunity to support their mission of creating a safer AI-powered world."

Protect AI's tools align with enterprise needs for MLSecOps, a growing discipline that combines AI development processes with security operations—and compliance with global data security and privacy standards.

With headquarters in Seattle and offices in Berlin and Bangalore, Protect AI has been at the forefront of AI security innovation. Backed by investors including Salesforce Ventures, Samsung, and Acrew Capital, the company's products address critical AI vulnerabilities while integrating seamlessly with existing enterprise workflows.

By joining the Pegasus Program, Protect AI aims to strengthen its position as a leader in AI security, offering Microsoft's global customers tools to build and deploy AI systems that are secure, safe, and trusted.