Yandex and SolidSoft Launch Joint Venture to Develop AI-Driven Cybersecurity Tools
The new cybersecurity-focused JV will deliver AI-enhanced WAF, anti-DDoS, and bot mitigation solutions for both cloud and on-premises deployments — targeting government and enterprise sectors in Russia and beyond.
Equal Partnership, Strategic Goals
Yandex B2B Tech and cybersecurity developer SolidSoft are forming a 50-50 joint venture to develop next-generation web application security solutions. These will include WAFs, DDoS protection, and bot filtering systems enhanced by AI capabilities.
Solutions will be available both in the cloud and on-premises, enabling clients to deploy them within their own infrastructure. Under the agreement, Yandex and SolidSoft will hold equal stakes, with SolidSoft’s founders managing the venture.
The Russian WAF market surpassed 30 billion rubles in 2024, while demand for cybersecurity services in Yandex Cloud doubled year over year. Analysts expect the JV to bolster domestic cybersecurity expertise, particularly in protecting mission-critical systems used by government agencies and enterprises.
Key goals include improving data privacy protection, reducing the risk of outages and data breaches, and decreasing reliance on foreign cybersecurity providers in critical infrastructure. Export potential is strong, especially in CIS countries, the Middle East, and other regions seeking localized security tools.
Toward Global Expansion
The joint venture aims to compete globally by bundling WAF, DDoS protection, and AI capabilities into a localized alternative to international vendors. Export viability will depend on product certification and compliance alignment.
On-premises deployments are already supported by existing Yandex Cloud products such as YDB, Foundation Models for generative AI, Yandex SpeechKit, and the DataLens BI platform. This infrastructure opens the door to deep integration with enterprise and public-sector applications.
Future deployments may focus on the finance and industrial sectors, where demand for on-premises deployments remains high due to compliance and control requirements.
Track Record and Momentum
The new venture builds on a growing body of Russian cybersecurity innovation. In 2021, Rostec released a domestic WAF solution aimed at government clients. Other developments included voice-enabled positioning systems, industrial IoT platforms, and digital DMR radios.
In 2022, Yandex Cloud expanded its pool of cybersecurity professionals and began entering the XDR market. New tools included Yandex Lockbox, SmartCaptcha, and Audit Trails.
By 2024, exports of Russian SaaS — including security solutions — to CIS and Asian markets rose sharply. According to Russoft, supported ICT exports reached 1.186 billion rubles in 2024, more than doubling the previous year’s total.
Late in 2024, Russia began deploying AI-based security technologies within the public sector under new national standards. These AI models are undergoing security vetting to address national defense concerns.
Between 2025 and 2026, researchers will explore frameworks for analyzing AI models trained on government data. By 2027–2028, the first phase of AI audit tools is expected to be implemented.
Short- and Long-Term Vision
Yandex’s acquisition of a 50% stake in SolidSoft also includes a call option for control — a move that could consolidate Russia’s cybersecurity landscape under Yandex Cloud.
The joint venture will roll out its first security products over the next 12–24 months, with pilot deployments expected in public-sector agencies and ongoing export discussions.
Within three to five years, the JV aims to strengthen its position in the CIS and developing markets, expanding into SOC and SIEM services, and launching cybersecurity training programs.
