In a fast-moving technology landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping industries across the board. Few areas are seeing its impact as clearly as cybersecurity, where AI-driven platforms are changing how enterprises manage security operations. Ofer Smadari, CEO of Torq, recently shared insight into this shift, discussing the company’s latest funding round and the strategy fueling its next phase of growth.
Following the announcement of Torq’s new funding, Smadari explained that the added capital will support expansion into new geographic regions while strengthening go-to-market efforts, particularly within the federal sector. The growth strategy also includes potential acquisitions aimed at adding new capabilities and accelerating innovation. For Torq, AI is not a distant concept but a practical response to the urgent demands facing today’s cybersecurity teams.
Torq has positioned itself at the leading edge of AI-driven security operations, working to transform traditional Security Operations Centers (SARC) into increasingly autonomous environments. Smadari compared this evolution to vehicle automation, noting that Torq currently operates at level three and is working toward level four. At that stage, AI would handle much of the alert triage process, significantly reducing the need for constant human intervention. As cyber threats grow more complex and frequent, Smadari believes speed and efficiency are no longer optional.
A central question surrounding AI in security operations is how to strike the right balance between automation and human oversight. Smadari emphasized the importance of transparency and clearly defined guardrails, ensuring users understand what AI agents can and cannot do. As AI models continue to improve, he remains optimistic about higher accuracy rates and reduced risk of “hallucination,” the term used when AI generates incorrect or misleading information.
Looking ahead to 2026, Smadari expects the conversation around AI to mature further, with greater emphasis on tools that ensure reliability and accountability. Rising geopolitical tensions are driving heightened demand for stronger government-grade security measures. Cyberattacks are accelerating, with agencies now managing more than one billion security events each day, a number growing by roughly 20% every quarter. These figures highlight the urgency behind adopting AI-powered security solutions.
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are increasingly vocal about the need for defenses that can keep pace with rapidly evolving threats. Adversaries are also adopting AI, intensifying the competition between attackers and defenders. Smadari pointed to the “velocity gap,” the widening difference between how quickly organizations must respond and how fast attackers can adapt. Closing that gap requires AI systems capable of delivering machine-speed responses to counter increasingly sophisticated threats.
The convergence of AI and cybersecurity also supports broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on resilient infrastructure and innovation amid global challenges. The intersection of blockchain technology, finance, and AI continues to attract investment, creating opportunities for secure and sustainable growth. As companies like Torq push forward, the environment remains fertile for entrepreneurs operating at the crossroads of finance and technology.
Through its approach to AI-driven security, Smadari and Torq are emphasizing transparency, speed, and adaptability. With a clear focus on the future, Torq is helping define how AI can reshape cybersecurity, enabling organizations to better defend against threats while supporting long-term innovation. As technology and risk evolve in tandem, one thing is clear: intelligent, proactive defense is no longer a competitive advantage, it is a necessity.