Cybersecurity firm Cylance was the first to use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to prevent cyber security threats.
The company occupies six floors of 400 Spectrum Center Drive – that’s its name on top – where it has made Orange County a leading hub for cybersecurity innovation.
Co-founder and CEO Stuart McClure explains…
We hear lots about AI. What is it and how does it work?
The field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) encompasses a broad range of technologies intended to empower computers with human-like capabilities for learning, reasoning and drawing useful insights. In recent years, most of the fruitful research and advancements have come from the sub-discipline of AI named Machine Learning (ML), which focuses on teaching machines to learn by applying algorithms to data. Often, the terms AI and ML are used interchangeably. The goal of ML is to learn from a past set of data to predict a future set. Almost any problem can be solved with ML.
Why is it such a big deal?
The world’s population is shrinking. The average family once had five children. Now it’s 2.5 children. That means there won’t be enough people to fill the jobs.
All the while, the number of qualified computer security professionals is going down and the unemployment rate in cybersecurity is practically zero. In fact, many predict over 3 million cybersecurity job openings by 2021.
There aren’t enough qualified professionals coming into our industry. We will never be able to keep up without adopting technology that can learn, predict and prevent cyber-attacks. This impacts everyone who makes an online transaction, employers, and national security.
Why choose Irvine for your headquarters?
Irvine is our competitive advantage when recruiting the world’s top talent. They want state-of-the-art work facilities and amenities that offer a work-life balance. The 400 Spectrum Center building offers child care, workout facilities, great food, and entertainment, which make a big difference when you are trying to attract A+ talent. The signage and space reinforce the Cylance brand of leadership and innovation.
What role does UC Irvine play in this?
It is great we are in such close proximity to UCI, home to some of the brightest students in the country. We have a number of proud UCI alumni currently working here at Cylance and we are also a sponsor of UCI’s Center for Machine Learning & Intelligent Systems, supporting their efforts to bring in leading researchers and attract doctoral students to participate in the Machine Learning program.
What do you look for in employees?
Cylance looks for individuals that have the passion and desire to disrupt industries, protect the world from cyber attacks, and be at the forefront of a revolutionary new technology. We want to attract top-tier talent that aligns with the culture of Cylance SPIRIT, which stands for “Sharing, Passion, Innovation, Responsibility, Integrity, and Teamwork.”
