AIS released its tenth issue of the AIS ACCESS magazine. This edition includes the company’s accomplishments from 2023, overviews on its cutting-edge products and services and intriguing stories on employees and technological advancements.
“Looking back on 2023, we were able to truly evolve and build upon the momentum set in the previous year for growth and increased opportunity,” said Charles Green, CEO of AIS. “We extended our outreach to the community, delved into cutting-edge research like XAI, strategically expanded our technical team, invested in internal research and development and explored promising commercial avenues. Amidst all of this, we also worked diligently to ensure our staff receive some of the best benefits in the industry including free, high-quality medical care, paid time off and financial planning resources. These initiatives align with our ongoing commitment to creating a secure future for our customers, employees and community, all while acknowledging and rewarding the remarkable individuals who contribute to our success.”
Corporate News
All-New Can You Hack It?® Challenges
The AIS Can You Hack It?® Challenge site was revamped in 2023 with 13 new challenges added for enthusiasts and experts alike to put their skills to the test. The newly introduced challenges cover a wide spectrum of cybersecurity domains, ranging from intricate programming conundrums to complex puzzles in reverse engineering and cryptography. More than 1,500 people attempted the challenges this past year and those interested in a career at AIS are encouraged to check them out.
GreyCastle Security Acquired by DeepSeas
In December 2023, AIS announced the successful acquisition of its subsidiary, GreyCastle Security by DeepSeas, a market leader in managed detection and response (MDR) for both enterprises and mid-market organizations. This strategic decision reflects AIS’s commitment to fostering innovation and advancing the capabilities of its ecosystem of cybersecurity companies.
Two New Patents Issued
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued two new patents to AIS in 2023, expanding its intellectual property (IP) and raising its patent portfolio to 21 with multiple currently pending. The new patents include:
U.S. Patent No. 11,550,883: “CODE PROTECTION”
Invention is credited to Adam Meily, Principal Engineer.
U.S. Patent Number: 11,645,101: “Providing Trusted Virtual Secure Cryptoprocessors for Guests”
Invention is credited to Joel Upham, Software Engineer III and Richard Turner, past AIS employee.
AIS Named Exclusive Sponsor of Executive Suites at the Adirondack Bank Center
AIS is now the exclusive sponsor of the Executive Suites at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, New York. This partnership signifies AIS’s commitment to the community and enhancing the sports and entertainment experience for fans in the Mohawk Valley. The AIS Executive Suites offer an unmatched blend of luxury and excitement for attendees, providing premium seating with spectacular views of the action on the ice. New in 2023 is the AIS Cyber Lounge, which was previously known as the Zuhaus. The AIS Cyber Lounge is the largest of the suites and is available for private rentals at the multitude of events that take place at the Adirondack Bank Center.
New Contracts & Partnerships
$98.5 Million Contract Awarded
AIS was awarded Artificial Intelligence-Based Endpoint Defense (ABED), a $98.5 million, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract focused on researching novel and innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-based techniques for enhancing the effectiveness and increasing the autonomy of cyber capabilities being developed by the Air Force and its partnering combatant commands.
$28 Million Contract Modification Awarded
AIS was awarded a $28 million contract modification for Full-Spectrum Cyber Capabilities, bringing the overall value of this contract to $74.8 million. The initial objective of this effort, which was awarded in 2019, was to provide the Air Force with tools and technologies to enable rapid cyber operations. Work will be completed through September 2026. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Information Directorate, located in Rome, New York, is the contracting authority for the award.
Federal Aviation Administration Selects AIS, ResilienX and OneSky Team for UTM Research
AIS, ResilienX and OneSky have announced a partnership with NUAIR for evaluating security and performance monitoring for UAS ecosystems at the New York UAS Test Site. ResilienX has been awarded a contract by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to analyze and enhance the security and performance monitoring of uncrewed aircraft system traffic management (UTM) ecosystems. ResilienX has chosen to partner with AIS and OneSky to bolster this research effort, which will focus on quantifying the effectiveness of various failure mode detection and mitigation strategies within a complex UAS operations environment. Testing will occur at the New York UAS Test Site.
AIS and Logical Operations Announced Strategic Partnership for Professional Development
AIS and Logical Operations, owner and operator of New Horizons Syracuse, announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing professional development opportunities for employees and the broader tech community in CNY. Under this collaboration, AIS employees have access to a wide range of training courses and professional certifications offered by New Horizons, empowering them with the latest skills and knowledge required to excel in the ever-evolving field of technology and cybersecurity.
Organizations in CNY who would like to participate in these training and certification programs are welcome to contact AIS for additional information at www.ainfosec.com/contact.
Awards & Recognition
HIRE Vets Medallion Award
U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor, Julie A. Su, recognized AIS as one of the 859 recipients of the 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony in November presented by U.S. Department of Labor. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire and retain veterans. This is AIS’s third consecutive year earning the gold award.
Mohawk Valley GEAR Award
AIS received one of the 2023 Mohawk Valley GEAR (Growth, Energy and Revitalize) awards in May, the same month that it celebrated the 21st anniversary of earning its first contract.
The GEAR awards honor companies that have helped to reimagine, reinvigorate and revitalize the Mohawk Valley. The GEAR awards, presented annually by Central New York Business Journal and BizEventz, recognize local companies that have made an impact on jobs, real estate and stability in the community. Giotto Enterprises, Mohawk Valley Community College and the Utica Zoo were the other three recipients.
FISSURE Featured on HackTricks
AIS’s open-source RF and reverse engineering framework, FISSURE, was featured on HackTricks in late 2023. HackTricks is a collaborative platform where cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts share information, tips and tricks related to ethical hacking, penetration testing and various security practices.
FISSURE is an RF and reverse engineering framework designed for all skill levels with hooks for signal detection and classification, protocol discovery, attack execution, IQ manipulation, vulnerability analysis, automation and AI/ML.
Community Impact
AIS believes in supporting organizations that align with its company values and have a positive impact within both the technology space and the community. Here is a snapshot of its sponsorships and activities in 2023.
United Way Workplace Campaign
AIS hosts an annual workplace campaign encouraging AIS employees to donate to the United Way of the Mohawk Valley, an organization committed to better people’s lives through programs that are focused on the building blocks of a good quality life – education, health and income stability. More than $8,000 was raised during AIS’s 2023 campaign.
Blood Drives
AIS hosted three onsite blood drives this year in collaboration with the American Red Cross. Sixty-three units of blood were donated by employees, potentially saving the lives of up to 189 people in need. With a national blood shortage, AIS is eager to continue these critical donation events in 2024 with the first one slated for February.
CPR Training with American Red Cross
Employees volunteered to participate in a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training Program in coordination with the American Red Cross and learned the fundamental steps of administering CPR to individuals experiencing cardiac arrest, understanding the critical role they can play in preserving life before professional medical help arrives.
Project Fibonacci
Through Mohawk Valley Gives, an annual day of fundraising in Central New York, AIS donated to Project Fibonacci. This donation will provide one student with a scholarship to attend the 2024 STEAM Leadership Conference free of charge. There, students participate in workshops, attend expert presentations and network with industry leaders.
Black Girls Code
AIS donated to Black Girls Code whose mission is to provide black girls access to engaging computer programming education that sparks their interest in technology, unlocks their potential and leads to more equitable communities.
In addition, AIS donated to more than 40 organizations and events, held a food drive for the Rome Rescue Mission and encouraged employees to volunteer at local science fairs, hackathons, robotics competitions and more.
Join a Growing Team
AIS currently has remote and in-office opportunities for software, reverse and deployment engineers, scientists, analysts and more.
The company offers an impressive benefits package including 100% employer-paid medical insurance, an automatic 7% contribution to your 401k, an employer-funded Health Savings Account, 10 paid holidays, four weeks of paid time off plus an additional week after five years and flexible hours. AIS also boasts a lucrative Referral Program, allowing community members to refer candidates to the company and earn thousands of dollars. Click here to learn more.
To read the full magazine, click here.
