F5, a company specializing in security and application delivery solutions, has announced its plan to acquire the AI security firm CalypsoAI for $180 million. The deal, which is expected to be finalized this month, will see F5 acquire all shares of the company, which has offices in both Ireland and the United States, primarily through a cash transaction. Prior to this acquisition, CalypsoAI had successfully raised over $40 million in funding. This move is the latest in a series of acquisitions for F5 this year, which also includes the purchases of MantisNet, Fletch, and LeakSignal.
CalypsoAI has developed a platform specifically designed to secure artificial intelligence systems while they are actively running, a process known as AI at inference. This platform uses advanced techniques like agentic red teaming, real-time defenses, and automated security enforcement to protect against common AI vulnerabilities. The goal is to provide a robust layer of security that allows businesses to use AI with confidence.
One of the key features of CalypsoAI’s platform is its ability to provide adaptive protection against specific threats. It is capable of defending against prompt injection and jailbreaks, which are methods used to manipulate AI systems into performing unintended actions. Additionally, the platform is designed to detect and prevent the leakage of sensitive data from AI systems, ensuring that confidential information remains secure.
F5 plans to seamlessly integrate these cutting-edge AI security capabilities into its existing Application Delivery and Security Platform (ADSP). This integration is a strategic move to enhance F5’s offerings and meet the growing demand from enterprises that are increasingly adopting AI technologies. By combining F5’s high-performance application delivery with CalypsoAI’s specialized AI security, the companies aim to provide a comprehensive solution that enables businesses to innovate faster without taking on additional risk.
According to Donnchadh Casey, CEO of CalypsoAI, enterprises are looking for ways to move quickly with AI while mitigating risks such as data leaks, unsafe outputs, or compliance failures. Casey stated that their customers depend on them to test AI systems at scale, establish adaptable guardrails for the inference layer, and gain visibility and auditability across their AI systems. He believes that the merger of the two companies will result in a solution that is more powerful than the sum of its parts, providing businesses with the tools to deliver innovation faster and more securely.
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