Cisco to acquire AI security startup Robust Intelligence

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Global networking and cybersecurity giant Cisco has announced that it intends to buy Robust Intelligence, one of the major AI security startups.
While financial terms remain undisclosed, the acquisition marks a significant step for Cisco as it seeks to enhance AI security, accelerate innovation, and simplify operations.
“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,” said Tom Gillis, SVP & GM of Security at Cisco.
Addressing enterprise AI security concerns
Robust Intelligence’s platform will be integrated into Cisco’s existing security and networking products, potentially including its Webex offering, according to CX Today.
This integration is expected to enhance Cisco’s ability to secure AI applications across different environments, providing customers with comprehensive protection against AI-specific threats such as prompt injection, data poisoning, and jailbreaking attacks.
“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,” noted Gillis.
“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.”
Enhancing Cisco’s AI and security portfolio
Cisco’s acquisition of Robust Intelligence comes as it doubles down on AI, cloud, and cybersecurity investments.
Earlier this year, the company announced a $1 billion investment fund focused on AI startups and completed a $28 billion acquisition of Splunk, another key player in the cybersecurity space.
“Security leaders need purpose-built solutions they can trust to keep up with the new paradigm of AI risk,” said Robust Intelligence co-founder and CEO Yaron Singer.
“Our team is excited about the integral role our platform will play in shaping the future of the Cisco Security Cloud, providing end-to-end AI security and leading the AI revolution with Cisco.”
Headquartered in San Jose, California, Cisco operates in more than 100 countries. The company posted earnings of $2.16 billion, or 54 cents per share, in its fiscal fourth quarter that ended July 27.