US hails Samsung-Darktrace IoT cyber security move

Cambridge UK cyber security specialist Darktrace and new investor Samsung SDS in Korea are to jointly develop cyber security solutions for the Internet of Things.

The move has been applauded by the US ambassador to Korea as a vital shield against digital attacks as the nations seek to strengthen cross-border technology ties.

Samsung SDS is the global IT services company part of Samsung Group, and has become a regional partner with Darktrace – a business founded by Mike Lynch to leverage Cambridge University IP.

The alliance follows the company’s recent investment in Darktrace. In addition to being a reseller and distributor of Darktrace’s Enterprise Immune System technology, the two companies will work together to develop cyber security solutions for Internet of Things technologies, including connected devices.

Samsung SDS’s agreement with Darktrace strengthens the relationship between the two companies and will speed up the rollout of Darktrace’s Enterprise Immune System technology.

Cyber security threats are on the rise globally and as attacks become more sophisticated, it is obvious that legacy approaches to the problem aren’t working.

Darktrace uses advanced mathematics and has adopted a machine learning approach based on the human immune system to meet the challenge of detecting cyber threats before they can have a crippling effect.

Queen’s Awards winner Darktrace says it can identify new, emerging threats within computer networks in real time including insider attacks, ransomware, machine-based attacks, and unknown threat scenarios.

Mark Lippert, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Korea said: “Cyber security is an important topic for the United States and the Republic of Korea.

“It is critical that our two industries continue to co-operate closely to deploy the best technology and knowhow to cope with fast-evolving cyber threats.”

Darktrace CEO Nicole Eagan, added: “Samsung is one of the world’s leading technology companies and we are thrilled to be collaborating with them on developing an approach to securing next-generation technologies such as connected devices. As we seek to extend our presence in Asia, Samsung’s support will be valuable.”

Founded in 2013, Darktrace has grown rapidly to 300 employees and has achieved over 600 per cent revenue growth in its latest financial year.

With over 1,200 customer deployments, Darktrace’s Enterprise Immune System has been selected by some of the largest and most sensitive cyber security environments, including global financial institutions, telecoms networks, legal firms, retailers, technology companies, government organisations, and critical national infrastructure facilities.