"CYBER4PROS"
CYBER FORENSICS & PROTECTION INC
Why are we building Agentic AI Security Agents?
Modern cybersecurity solutions, such as encryption, VPNs, and firewalls are increasingly inadequate in defending against the rapid evolution of cyber threats. These traditional approaches are software tools that are largely reactionary, requiring constant updates to address emerging vulnerabilities. As attacks grow more sophisticated, adversaries exploit all possible entry points, including hardware supplying or routing internet connections, zero-day vulnerabilities, ISP infrastructure, compromised DNS servers, and IoT devices. This trend is exacerbated by the rise of AI-driven attacks that amplify the scale and success rate of system breaches. Additionally, these methods only protect on internet layers 3-7 leaving the first two exposed.
The looming era of quantum computing further compounds the issue. Quantum computers have the capacity to break widely used encryption algorithms, undermining the foundation of modern cybersecurity. To address this, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been developing quantum-resistant algorithms. After six years of rigorous evaluation, NIST selected four algorithms in 2022: CRYSTALS-Kyber for general encryption, and CRYSTALS-Dilithium, FALCON, and SPHINCS+ for digital signatures. While promising, these algorithms are quantum-resistant, not quantum-repellent, and their widespread adoption requires an extensive overhaul of hardware, software, and infrastructure - a process unlikely to be completed by the most advanced organizations before 2028.
Even with these algorithms, significant risks remain. Adversaries can target implementation vulnerabilities, exploit supply chain weaknesses, and leverage side-channel attacks. Additionally, cybercriminals need only focus on the small set of publicly disclosed quantum-resistant algorithms, working relentlessly to uncover weaknesses or bypass mechanisms.
This reality places small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in an especially precarious position. Current cybersecurity systems already demand complex infrastructures, frequent updates, and manual interventions, which strain resources and introduce additional vulnerabilities. For SMEs, the cost and expertise required to adopt and maintain these measures are often prohibitive, leaving them disproportionately exposed to advanced and quantum-enabled threats. In short, while NIST's efforts represent a vital step forward, they underscore the urgent need for proactive, innovative, and scalable cybersecurity solutions capable of addressing both present and future threats, including those posed by the quantum era.
Lee Waite is the CEO and CTO of Cyber4Pros and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. A recognized cybersecurity expert and artificial intelligence strategist, Ms. Waite specializes in cyber risk and resiliency management as well as AI/ML technologies. Earlier in her career, she led the development of the U.S. Navy’s Physical Access Smart Detection System and Virtual Access Smart Detection System networks, which were delivered on time and under budget, using her skills in cyber risk, embedded systems, secure hardware design, network protocols, real time data processing, and firmware. After exiting that tech start-up, cybersecurity has been Ms. Waite's primary focus, building upon her expertise in systems design, risk management, and simulation modeling. Ms. Waite earned an MPA from Harvard University and a BA in Economics from Boston College. She also holds an MS in Digital Forensics and a Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Cybersecurity from the University of Central Florida's (UCF) School of Engineering and Computer Science. She has completed the coursework for her PhD in Modeling & Simulation - Behavioral Cybersecurity and continues to research secure cyber technologies for SNI devices. While small and focused, her program at UCF has earned acclaim from their partner Nvidia for being the most advanced university group researching digital twin technologies. She is a Life Member of Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering Honor Society, and serves on the Leadership Board of the National Small Business Association.
Bob Chomut is the MD and Technical Project Manager of Cyber4Pros with over thirty years of expertise in leading complex, global projects within the treasury and securities industry. Specializing in FX trading, back-office settlement systems, cybersecurity, and related IT services, Mr. Chomut has a proven track record of driving product innovation, managing large-scale product portfolios, and delivering secure, impactful solutions across diverse sectors. Prior to joining Cyber4Pros, he held key leadership roles at industry giants such as Finastra, SWIFT, Misys, and Citibank, where he managed the development and successful launch of flagship products, including cross-border payment services and online FX trading systems. Mr. Chomut earned a BS in Computer Science from the City College of New York, following his education at NYC’s prestigious Brooklyn Technical High School. He has extensive hands-on project management experience and is also an award-winning innovator. He holds a US Patent (No. US5787402A) for a method and system that performs automated financial transactions involving foreign currencies, demonstrating his ability to drive technological advancements. He was awarded Citibank’s Service Excellence Award in 2000.
