13 Feb Press Release
Mobius Logic, Inc. Awarded STTR Contract to Explore Cybersecurity Threats to LLMs
Tysons, VA February 2024 – Mobius Logic, Inc. announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a STTR Phase I contract with the Institute of Applied Engineering at the University of South Florida (IAE) focused on cyber-securing large language models (LLMs) to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and on December 15th, Mobius Logic and IAE began their journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.
Christian Manasseh, CEO of Mobius Logic, explained, “Although LLMs have much to offer in terms of increased efficiency in the workplace, they are susceptible to new forms of cyber security risks. We offer a novel approach– using reinforcement learning (RL) AI that can detect and mitigate threats specific to LLMs. As a result, we can bolster the security of LLMs and ensure that the planned cyber security tool will be adaptive in the face of evolving threats.”
Taylor Johnston, COO of USF IAE stated “The use of LLMs has exploded in the past few years and the DoD is starting to establish tactics, techniques, and procedures around their use within government networks. We see a need to validate that these tools are safe and secure to ensure the continued operations of our DoD partners.”
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.
About Mobius Logic, Inc.
Mobius Logic delivers AI ideas, innovation, and expertise that enable fast growing companies and government agencies to create profitable, compliant, cloud-based systems and products around data. Founded on the love of solving complex problems, Mobius Logic’s team provides the needed ideas, innovation, and expertise that go into building complex AI systems such as identifying patterns of behavior that impact pandemics, routing drones responsibly, eliminating loss in financial transactions and reducing violence in disadvantaged communities. Mobius Logic continually explores and expands its understanding of how data and AI can solve the most pressing problems and create the greatest opportunities in the finance, life sciences, litigation, software and manufacturing industries and the government. Our team members have PhDs in data science from major universities including MIT, UC Berkeley, University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign, University of Maryland, and Purdue, are well-published in their domains, and have several years of experience building large-scale, mission-critical software and AI solutions.
About Institute of Applied Engineering at the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida’s Institute of Applied Engineering (IAE) stands as a distinctive and impactful organization, addressing a pressing concern within the government with notable success since its establishment in 2018. Dedicated to advancing national security, the IAE has provided the Department of Defense with diverse capabilities, safeguarding and enhancing the capabilities of our warfighters. Additionally, it has propelled the University of South Florida into the realm of space exploration through the deployment of a satellite network. Given its unique narrative and contributions to national security, policymakers and academics focused on problem-solving should comprehend the innovative model embodied by the IAE. The overarching objective of the IAE is to serve the interests of the American warfighter across diverse settings, encompassing the battlefield, garrison, and home environments with their families. From its inception, the IAE was strategically formulated to address gaps within the military, aligning its mission with the goal of enhancing the well-being and capabilities of the nation’s defense personnel.
About Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 325 military, civilian and contractor personnel at six hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed 4,697 contracts worth more than $2.6 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: www.afwerx.com.
Company Press Contact:
Jumana Misleh
Senior Program Manager