Galvanick is an industrial cybersecurity company founded by Josh Steinman, a former senior director at the National Security Council. Concerned about the vulnerability of industrial operations to cyberattacks, Steinman, along with former Amazon security engineer Brandon Park and former White House economist Feliks Pleszczynski, established Galvanick in 2021. The company, which recently opened an office in Seattle, provides monitoring services for manufacturers in the aerospace and telecom sector to prevent potential breaches in their work environments. Ransomware attacks against industrial companies have been on the rise, prompting the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures like those offered by Galvanick.
With the increase in cyber threats targeting operational technology, rather than just information technology, Galvanick’s software provides real-time analysis of data within industrial operations to detect any abnormal activity and provide alerts. Steinman emphasized the shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals specializing in industrial scenarios, which creates a demand for companies like Galvanick that can provide broad coverage and protect critical infrastructure with a small team. Despite a decline in venture capital investments in cybersecurity startups, Galvanick managed to secure a $10 million seed round in June from various investors, including MaC Venture Capital, Founders Fund, and Village Global.
While there is potential for AI to help combat cybersecurity threats by identifying patterns and alerting for risks, Steinman acknowledged the high bar for deploying AI tools in industrial systems due to the strict scrutiny and the critical nature of these operations. He believes it will take time before AI is fully embraced by industrial companies for cybersecurity purposes. FBI officials have issued warnings about potential Chinese hacking operations targeting U.S. infrastructure, underscoring the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for industrial operations. Galvanick’s focus on providing digital overwatch for connected facilities aligns with the growing need for enhanced cybersecurity in the industrial sector.
Galvanick’s team aims to address the evolving cyber threats facing industrial companies by leveraging their expertise in industrial cybersecurity and their background in government and private sector security. The company’s approach of analyzing data in industrial operations and providing alerts for abnormal activity reflects a proactive stance in mitigating cyber risks. Steinman highlighted the growing attraction for cyber attackers due to the lower barriers to entry in the cyber realm, necessitating stronger defense mechanisms for industrial infrastructure. As Galvanick continues to expand its services and reach, the company remains committed to helping industrial businesses protect their critical assets from cyber threats in an increasingly digitized world.
