India’s rapid AI adoption calls for stronger security measures; Silicon Valley’s Operant AI steps in with advanced real-time threat detection.
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries worldwide, the need for robust security solutions has never been greater. In response, Silicon Valley-based Operant AI, a leading cybersecurity firm specializing in AI application security, has announced its expansion into the Indian market. The company is launching its real-time AI protection platform, aimed at safeguarding sensitive data from AI-driven cyber threats in industries like banking, fintech, and enterprise SaaS.
“Today, as AI adoption accelerates, ensuring critical security is more urgent than ever—not just to protect businesses, but also to safeguard their customers and end users from cyber threats and data breaches,” said Vrajesh Bhavsar, CEO and co-founder of Operant AI.
Addressing AI-Specific Threats with 3D Runtime Defense
Unlike traditional cybersecurity tools such as firewalls or static code scanning, Operant AI’s 3D Runtime Defense Platform is designed to tackle AI-specific threats like prompt injection, data poisoning, and data exfiltration. These emerging attack vectors exploit vulnerabilities within AI applications, making conventional security measures inadequate.
Bhavsar elaborated on the platform’s capabilities:
“Our platform provides real-time attack detection and prevention, ensuring that AI systems and their underlying cloud environments remain secure. It actively protects sensitive data, such as IDs and financial information, through real-time threat detection and auto-redaction.”
The in-line auto-redaction feature is a game-changer for industries dealing with sensitive financial and personal data, such as banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI). This function ensures that private customer information never leaves a company’s controlled environment, helping enterprises maintain regulatory compliance and prevent unauthorized access.
A Homecoming for Operant AI’s Founders
Founded in 2021, Operant AI has quickly gained industry recognition, securing $13.5 million in funding from investors like Felicis and Sinewave. The company’s expansion into India marks a return for co-founders Vrajesh Bhavsar and Priyanka Tembey, both of whom previously honed their engineering expertise in India before leading AI security initiatives at Apple, ARM, and VMware.
“India is witnessing an unprecedented surge in AI adoption across fintech, healthcare, and enterprise software. With this growth comes increased exposure to AI-powered cyber threats,” said Priyanka Tembey, CTO of Operant AI. “We want to ensure that Indian enterprises have the right tools to protect their AI-driven innovations,”
Strategic Expansion into India’s Tech Hubs.
Operant AI is strategically targeting India’s major tech and financial hubs, including Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Delhi-NCR. These regions are home to a thriving ecosystem of fintech startups, BFSI firms, and government-backed AI initiatives.
The company plans to forge strong partnerships with banks, financial institutions, and AI-driven enterprises, helping them navigate AI security frameworks and meet the growing demands of data privacy regulations.
A Growing Concern: AI Security Risks in India
The urgency of Operant AI’s mission is underscored by recent cybersecurity reports highlighting the alarming rise in AI-driven cyber fraud in India. According to official data, high-value cyber fraud cases jumped over fourfold in FY2024, leading to losses exceeding $20 million. The growing reliance on digital payments and AI-driven financial applications has made businesses more vulnerable to sophisticated cyberattacks.
A recent Deloitte study (December 2024) found that:
- 92% of Indian executivesexpressed concerns about cybersecurity threats, including AI vulnerabilities.
- 91% of leadersworried about AI-related privacy risks, emphasizing the need for real-time AI security solutions.
“We’re seeing an increasing number of AI-powered attacks that can bypass traditional security systems. Organizations must adopt a proactive security posture to stay ahead of these evolving threats,” added Bhavsar.
Investing in Local Talent & ‘Make in India’
In addition to launching its platform, Operant AI is actively recruiting Indian AI security experts, cloud infrastructure specialists, and real-time defense professionals. The company is expanding its sales, partnerships, and customer success teams to drive enterprise adoption.
“We’re not just bringing technology to India—we’re building AI security solutions in India,” said Tembey. “By leveraging local expertise and aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, we aim to help Indian enterprises securely scale their AI applications.”
A Future-Proof Security Solution for AI-Powered Enterprises
With its expansion into India, Operant AI aims to reshape the nation’s cybersecurity landscape, offering real-time, AI-native security solutions tailored for the country’s fast-growing digital economy. As AI adoption surges across sectors, the company’s innovative defense mechanisms will play a critical role in protecting sensitive data and ensuring regulatory compliance for enterprises.
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