Cybersecurity Challenges and Opportunities, Fundings: OnSight, Phenix Solutions, Chainguard
31 July 2024 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
In the latest episode of Securing Our Future, host Jeremy Hitchcock is joined by Hans Olson, a veteran with a rich tapestry of experiences spanning the Navy, private sector, and public service. Dive into his unique journey as he navigates through the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, misinformation, and the delicate balance between the physical and digital realms.
Hans reflects on his path from a Navy corpsman to an Assistant Undersecretary of Homeland Security, sharing how his career has been shaped by a commitment to risk mitigation and public service. He offers a fascinating perspective on the vulnerabilities faced by states and municipalities in the realm of cybersecurity and discusses how we can bolster defenses against threats to critical infrastructure.
Listen in as Hans discusses his experiences with DARPA, where he developed cyber tools for the Department of Defense, and how these innovations impact the physical world. He also provides insight into the ongoing battle against misinformation and disinformation, highlighting the role of cybersecurity as both a security measure and an economic engine. Tune in wherever you stream your podcasts or below on Spotify:
HawkEye 360: HawkEye 360 has announced its collaboration with the Global Data Marketplace to expand its market reach and make its products more accessible to a diverse range of users. This marketplace serves as a dynamic hub connecting government entities, academia, and international allies with commercial data vendors, simplifying the procurement process for HawkEye 360's offerings such as GPS Interference, Maritime Domain Awareness, and Communications Mapping.
This initiative is poised to significantly impact global safety missions by providing seamless access to geospatial insights and supporting the evolving needs of customers worldwide.
China’s Government Censorship Restricts Gen-AI to Enforce Socialist Core Values
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepted two Russian TU-95 Bear bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers near Alaska's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Wednesday. This marks the first time Russian and Chinese military aircraft have operated together in this region.
China’s Defense Ministry stated that this joint patrol over the Bering Sea was part of an annual cooperation plan aimed at enhancing military cooperation and strategic trust between the two countries. Similarly, Russia's Defense Ministry emphasized that the joint patrol, which involved Russian Su-30SM and Su-35S fighter jets, was a pre-planned military exercise lasting over five hours.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin described the interception as routine, stating that Russia and China frequently test US responses. He noted that the closest approach of the aircraft to US territory was about 200 miles off the coast. However, the presence of Chinese bombers in the Alaska ADIZ is a new development, reflecting China's growing military interest in the Arctic.
Austin expressed concern about the growing cooperation between Russia and China, particularly given China's support for Russia's actions in Ukraine. Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan highlighted the increasing collaboration between the two authoritarian regimes, warning that such incursions near Alaska are likely to continue as part of their strategic alignment in the region.
Who Will Control the Future of AI?
The rapid progress of artificial intelligence presents a strategic choice for the world: whether to pursue a democratic model led by the United States and its allies, spreading AI’s benefits and maintaining open access, or to allow authoritarian regimes to dominate, using AI to consolidate their power.
The United States currently leads in AI development, but this position is not guaranteed. Authoritarian regimes, like Russia and China, are heavily investing in AI to surpass the U.S. Russia's Vladimir Putin has stated that AI supremacy could mean global dominance, while China aims to be the leader in AI by 2030. These regimes might restrict AI's societal benefits to maintain control and could use AI for surveillance and cyberweaponry if they gain the lead, thus challenging the values upheld by democratic nations.
To ensure AI’s future aligns with democratic values, the U.S. must spearhead a global coalition and adopt a strategic approach. This involves developing robust security measures to protect intellectual property and prevent cyber threats, which can be aided by AI itself. Public-private partnerships can facilitate the construction of necessary infrastructure, such as data centers, to sustain AI's growth, thereby creating jobs and reinforcing the U.S.'s position in the AI field.
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Founded: 2017
Key People: CEO Derek Chase
Elevator Pitch: An autonomous and teleoperated unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed to clean solar arrays.
Funding: The company raised an undisclosed amount of venture funding from Convective Capital on July 29, 2024.
Founded: 2011
Key People: CEO Brian Riese
Elevator Pitch: Unmanned aerial systems and composite structures equipment intended to provide game-changing aviation components to meet global modern challenges.
Funding: The company raised $3 million of seed funding from undisclosed investors on July 26, 2024.
Founded: 2021
Key People: CEO Dan Lorenc
Elevator Pitch: A supply chain security software designed to make the software lifecycle secure by default.
Funding: The company raised $140 million of Series C venture funding in a deal led by Redpoint Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners and IVP on July 25, 2024, putting the company's pre-money valuation at $950 million.
Look for a new episode of Securing the Future Podcasts wherever you listen. In our most recent episode, general partner Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Hans Olson for a conversation that bridges the gap between technology, governance, and society.
