17 April 2024, Luxembourg and Potomac Falls, USA for immediate release –
CYSANA (CYberSecurity ANAlytics) is a new AI-based enterprise solution to protect against malware and ransomware announced today by the cybersecurity software startup Conatix, in collaboration with the University of Luxembourg’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT).
CYSANA stops malware and ransomware before they can do damage and have an impact on business. It does this by integrating recent advanced developments in deep learning neural network-based image classification and anti-encryption research.
To download a copy of an accompanying png image that publications are free to use with credit to Conatix:
https://conatix.sharefile.com/public/share/web-s67f1acc33bf7495dae94ca77a4a303ee
The core of CYSANA lies in its AI module, which uniquely visualizes software applications as images to detect malware embedded in executable files at the point of download, before these files open, install or engage in any activity on a computer. The CYSANA anti-encryption module further strengthens this defense by preventing malware from using a computer’s own encryption keys to encrypt user data and hold it for ransom, effectively blocking malware from any source from becoming ransomware.
Malware and ransomware pose two of the greatest, and fastest-growing, cyber threats in the world today. Malware can be hidden in executable software files and remain undetected for long periods while monitoring user activity and corporate operating procedures or stealing or deleting data. In its most antagonistic form, malware transforms into ransomware, encrypting valuable data on computers, often demanding a ransom to reverse the damage. In July 2023, Reuters reported close to $450 million had been paid to ransomware attackers in the first half of that year, an increase of $175 million over the same period in 2022. The impacts of both malware and ransomware can be devastating to companies and government agencies, with attacks becoming more frequent, sophisticated and costly.
“Our innovative CYSANA software merges deep learning and anti-encryption technologies to offer a new level of robust cyber protection,” said David Lehrer, CEO of Conatix. “Developing this solution has been a true collaboration resulting in more robust and encompassing cyber protection than a single company could develop on its own.”
“SnT strives to conduct research with an impact, and this product launch is a significant success story for that mission,” said Dr. Carlo Duprel, head of the SnT’s Technology Transfer Office of the University of Luxembourg. “The collaboration with Conatix to launch CYSANA to a worldwide market underlines our depth of expertise in the field of cybersecurity, and commitment to combatting cybercrime.”
In the development process CYSANA’s neural network models were trained and tested on the Luxembourg-based MeluXina supercomputer operated by LuxProvide. This high-performance computer testing ground, one of the most powerful in Europe, helped make the product effective at detecting novel and zero-day malicious files.
“LuxProvide is passionate about driving innovation and research, as demonstrated by our significant support for the CYSANA project, along with our commitment to offering a leading platform for digital and other research initiatives.” stated Arnaud Lambert, CEO of LuxProvide.
With the launch of CYSANA, Conatix is offering a deep learning AI-based solution against some of the hardest-to-find malware, a solution that is faster and more effective than existing anti-malware systems. CYSANA is a barrier for those malware that could become ransomware and start encrypting valuable company data. The anti-ransomware solution within the Cysana product is patented by the University of Luxembourg in 15 countries. Cysana’s exclusive license with the University of Luxembourg’s SnT is a major step from the Centre to strengthen the impact of its research at a global scale and reflects the growing size and impact of the Luxembourg cybersecurity and deep tech startup ecosystem.
As cyber threats like malware and ransomware escalate, the Conatix CYSANA software offers a vital solution to protect businesses and government agencies. It recently won the AI & Data category of the 2024 Product Awards by Products That Count. The initial release of Cysana is directed at selected cybersecurity service providers (MSPs) and CISO teams in North America and Europe by invitation only.
Conatix Overview from Conatix Berlin on Vimeo.
For more information about Conatix and CYSANA contact:
David Lehrer [email protected] +1 (514) 242-9895
University of Luxembourg press contact:
Catherine Kurzawa [email protected] (+352) 46 66 44 9451
LuxProvide press contact: Guillaume Tanferri [email protected]
Conatix has won numerous international innovation awards, including being named one of the most innovative cybersecurity startups in the UK by the UK government cybersecurity directorate two years in a row and being listed in the global CyberTech 100 list of the most innovative cybersecurity startups in the world for banking. Conatix is an early-stage AI for cybersecurity startup based near Washington DC, and in New York, Montreal, London and Berlin. Collaboration by Conatix with the University of Luxembourg on this software product R&D was supported by the EIT Digital Innovation Factory innovation grant program part-funded by the European Union. www.cysana.co and www.conatixcyber.com
The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) of the University of Luxembourg, founded in 2009, promotes and conducts research in socio-technical security and cybersecurity in collaboration with other disciplines. The Sociotechnical Cybersecurity (IRiSC) research group within SnT conducts forward-looking theoretical and experimental research on cybersecurity and online privacy based on the interdisciplinary expertise of its members. IRiSC integrates methods from social sciences and legal analysis into computer science to address the complexity of reliable, secure and trustworthy systems and the multiple factors leading to misuses and cyberattacks.
https://www.uni.lu/snt-en/research-groups/irisc/
LuxProvide is at the forefront of digital intelligence, combining data science expertise with supercomputing capabilities. Centered around MeluXina, Luxembourg’s advanced supercomputer, LuxProvide focuses on accuracy, security, and sustainability in the digital realm. The company transcends traditional technological boundaries, fostering innovative solutions that elevate the human experience and drive positive change. LuxProvide is dedicated to pioneering a future where technology not only evolves but enhances every aspect of life. Learn more: https://www.luxprovide.lu/
