Tenable's Strategic Acquisition of AI Security Startup Apex to Revolutionize Exposure Management

Summary:

Tenable to acquire AI security startup Apex, enhancing its exposure management platform
Apex specializes in discovering ungoverned AI activities, including shadow apps and AI-generated code
Over one-third of security teams have unsanctioned AI applications, posing significant risks
Integration with AI Aware tool to mitigate threats and enforce security policies
Tenable's second acquisition in 2025, reflecting its aggressive expansion strategy

Tenable Security has announced its plans to acquire Apex, an Israel-based startup specializing in AI-driven security solutions. This acquisition aims to integrate Apex's innovative technology into Tenable One, Tenable's SaaS-based exposure management platform, enhancing its capabilities to mitigate risks associated with ungoverned AI applications.

The Rise of Apex

Founded in 2023, Apex has quickly made a name for itself by helping organizations discover and manage ungoverned AI activities, including shadow apps, AI-generated code, and fake identities. With a team of about 20 employees, Apex competes with other security firms like Prompt Security and Lasso Security.

The Challenge of Ungoverned AI

Recent findings from Tenable Research highlight a growing concern: over one-third of security teams have AI applications in their environments that aren't officially sanctioned. This poses significant risks, from malicious AI code to vulnerabilities from prompt injections. Eric Doerr, Tenable's chief product officer, emphasizes the urgency for organizations to govern these AI tools effectively.

Enhancing AI Aware

Tenable's AI Aware tool, launched last year, helps organizations analyze AI application activities. The integration of Apex will further enhance this tool by mitigating identified threats, establishing AI security best practices, and enforcing existing security policies.

A Strategic Move

This acquisition marks Tenable's second in 2025, following the purchase of Vulcan Cyber. It reflects Tenable's commitment to expanding its exposure management capabilities, with six acquisitions in the past three years alone.

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