Softbank ups investment in security AI firm Cybereason » Banking Technology

Softbank has upped its investment in security firm Cybereason, as the focus on artificial intelligence (AI) continues, writes Banking Technology's sister publication Telecoms.com. Back in July 2016, Softbank acquired chipmaker ARM in what was believed to be a jostling move to prepare the telco for the upcoming IoT/AI euphoria; this investment adds to the armoury as Cybereason uses the power of AI to not only detect gaps in the perimeter, but claims to collate all the data from applications or users which would be deemed out of the ordinary. It allows security professionals to make more accurate responses to current or potential threats. The additional $100 million investment from Softbank now makes the firm the largest investor, with CRV, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin also involved. Cybereason has now raised a total of $189 million in capital since being founded in 2012. Although specific figures haven't been released, the team claims to have increased revenues by 500% and employee numbers by 200% in the last 12 months alone.