Democratizing cyber security

South Dakota start up finds supportive business climate, wealth of student talent

EDITOR’S NOTE:

b r ookings, S.D.-based Query.AI is making waves in South Dakota. The company won the Company of the Year Award from the b r ookings innovation Center in 2018 and placed second in the 2019 Governor’s Giant v i sion Competition.

An important part of the company? Founder and C eo Dhiraj Sharan says it’s the relationship with area universities, where it builds on local talent and also works across the globe in India. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Q. A. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.

Query.AI is about democratizing cybersecurity. While AI is a long term solution, short term it needs to work alongside cybersecurity analysts to assist them. Query.AI’s product does so by providing a virtualized AI-assistant to help with the cybersecurity monitoring coverage needed by enterprises.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START QUERY.AI AND HOW DID IT GET OFF THE GROUND?

I have been in the enterprise security monitoring space for about 18 years. More specifically, I was involved in the evolution of SIEM - Security Information and Event Management products. I realized that the challenges in enterprise environments having to deal with advanced threats, is becoming a scaling and staffing problem as well. There is a shortage of cybersecurity analysts and most companies are not able to provide adequate coverage to monitor their environment and/or proactively hunt for threats. I wanted to provide technology that can help capture and reproduce cybersecurity monitoring and hunting workflows. Being able to share workflows among peers and partners and collaborate over them, is another way we could help advance the mission. Targeting those goals, I got Query.AI off the ground with assistance from the Research Park in Brookings - our accelerator that helped with funding, state assistance, access to university research connections and student talent.

HOW DID YOU END UP IN BROOKINGS?

I have been in the Bay Area in the Silicon Valley for the last 15 years. And then my wife took an opportunity at South Dakota State University as a faculty member and we thought it would be a good change to move to the Midwest and raise kids here. The original idea (to begin the start up) was to start in California, but then I realized that if I move here, it’s actually going to be beneficial in many ways.

One way is that the costs of doing business are much better in South Dakota. And I realized, after coming here that I can get easy access to talent here because we have South Dakota State University, and we have Dakota State University as well. So there are local universities in the region, who are producing good talent with computer science, data science and cybersecurity backgrounds. And yet there aren’t that many high tech companies doing data science, AI or cyber security in this region. So we can tap into that talent and keep our costs low, and still build technology for the startup.

WHAT DO YOU FIND TO BE THE BIGGEST THREAT TO CYBERSECURITY RIGHT NOW AND WHAT WILL THAT LOOK LIKE IN THE FUTURE?

The biggest threat is that it’s getting harder and harder to find threats, and the technologies that are available now are much more advanced. Earlier, it used to be that spam, email was a problem. But then spam was kind of solved with technology, now your email inbox is pretty good at detecting what is spam and what is not. But then after that, came spear phishing attack where the email may be very targeted to you, to your organization, and the splitters don’t catch that kind of thing.

So now, if you look at it, the next stage of attack it can be a deep fake cyber attack where you get a voice message from your boss, and you think it’s your boss, but, you know, that can be completely generated voice, using a publicly known voice of that person.

With technology with AI, attackers are also getting smarter and smarter. So we do have to use AI itself to counter those attacks as well. But so the problem statement, and even the solution, both sides, the complexity is increasing.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO INVOLVE THE STUDENTS AT SOUTH DAKOTA STATE AND DAKOTA STATE AND LEVERAGE THAT TALENT?

We need people with backgrounds in data science, backgrounds in cyber security and backgrounds in computer science. And here it’s actually hard to find a lot of senior experience people with that kind of background. So, the approach we took is that, OK, let’s form partnerships with universities and talk to the professors there. For example, we have our data science advisor who is a professor from math and stats department. We also have a senior team in Bangalore in India. So it is kind of a mix of a senior team, who is working with the more fresh talent that’s coming out of the universities here and working together to build a product.

YOUR COMPANY HAS GOTTEN A LOT OF STATE AND LOCAL RECOGNITION. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?

We are here today because of the status that we got in the beginning. From governor’s office of economic development, we got the Dakota Seed Fund, that helps us hire a student interns. Then we also got proof of concept funds, that helps us start a business. And then we also got the Governor’s Giant Vision Award. Then at the research park, at South Dakota State University, we got an incubation environment. We got help from people like Dwaine Chapel, who runs the Research Park. And Tim Weelborg, who manages the angel funds through its Enterprise Institute. We were recently awarded Company of the Year Award at the Research Park as well.

All of that has been possible with all the support and help that we have got from all these organizations in the state. And I’m really thankful and amazed as well, that there was so much focus in helping and growing startups here.

JOHNSON JOINS WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING’S CIVIL TEAM

Baxter, Minn. — Noah Johnson, PE, has joined Widseth Smith Nolting as a civil engineer.

Johnson brings civil, water, and wastewater engineering experience to the team. He has worked with cities, counties, and water and sanitary districts on a range of projects, specializing in mechanical process equipment with a focus on water and wastewater treatment processes; pump, piping, and lift station design; and hydraulic modeling of pumps and pumping systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Stalboerger And Fischer Join Eapc Architects Engineers

Steven Stalboerger joins EAPC’s healthcare team as a Senior Architect and Medical Planner. Steve has over 30 years of medical design experience and will be working on multiple healthcare projects within EAPC’s nine office locations across the country. Stalboerger obtained his Bachelor of Architecture degree from North Dakota State University. Noah Fischer joins EAPC as Human Resources and Organizational Development Manager. Noah obtained his undergrad at NDSU with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and earned his MBA in Human Resource Management from the University of Mary in Bismarck. Fischer brings to EAPC six years of HR experience.

True North Equipment Hires Hr Generalist

GRAND FORKS -- True North Equipment recently announced that Corbyn Hahn has been hired to work as an HR Generalist at their Resource Center in Grand Forks.

Hahn holds a BBA in Human Resources from University of North Dakota. She is a native of Grand Forks and recently moved back to the area from Washington DC, where she worked in Human Resources at a digital advertising company. Prior to that, Hahn held a Human Resource position with BeMobile Verizon. She was also a familiar face, working at Paradiso in Grand Forks.

True North Equipment is a regional John Deere dealership group with eight locations in Grafton, Grand Forks, Kennedy, Northwood, Warren, Thief River Falls, Mahnomen and Baudette.

Eapc Architects Engineers Named Top 40 Engineering Architecture Firm For 2019

Determined by annual revenue, EAPC is a Top 40 design firm in the nation for nonresidential buildings and multifamily buildings work, as reported in Building Design+Construction’s 2019 Giants 300 Report. EAPC, established in 1967, is an award-winning multi-disciplinary design consulting firm with offices in North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Arizona, and Colorado. EAPC currently employs over 130 professionals. https://www.bdcnetwork.com/top-40engineering-architecture-firms-2019

Empire Arts Center Hires New Program Manager

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The Empire Arts Center has hired Nathan Haltiwanger as its new program manager.

Haltiwanger, a native of New York, comes to the Empire Arts Center with a master’s degree in Opera Performance and a wealth of experience in the performing arts and arts education. Empire Theatre Company audiences may also recognize Haltiwanger from the February 2019 production of Next to Normal.

As the new Program Manager, Haltiwanger will oversee all aspects of the Empire Arts Center’s programming, including the Empire Theatre Company, The 1919 Lounge, the new upcoming film series to be launched in January 2020, and more. Beyond programming, Haltiwanger’s duties will also include box office, development and marketing assistance, and more.

HUGO’S PROMOTES RICHARD HILGEMANN AT JAMESTOWN, N.D. LOCATION

Hugo’s Family Marketplace has promoted Richard Hilgemann to the store director position of its Jamestown location.

Hilgemann has worked for Hugo’s for 19 years. He began as dairy manager and most recently was the assistant store director. He has 35 years of experience in the grocery business.

“Richard’s experience in the grocery industry and with various areas of Hugos will be a great asset to that store,” said Kristi Magnuson Nelson, Hugo’s President/CEO. “The store and our associates will all benefit from his leadership and knowledge.”

Rufer Earns Lake Manager Certification

Moriya Rufer earned her Lake Manager Certification from the North American Lake Management Society, Houston Engineering, Inc. announced in a press release.

This certification recognizes individuals with special training and experience in the management of ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and other bodies of water, including watersheds. Rufer joined HEI as a Scientist III earlier this year and works remotely from Detroit Lakes, Minn., providing water and environmental solutions to clients across the region.

She has more than 15 years of experience serving the water resources community, specifically working with lakes, watershed planning, and water quality issues.

ALTRU HEALTH SYSTEM’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBERS

Grand Forks, N.D. -- Altru Health System announces the election of two new members to the board of directors.

William McKinnon, MD, FACEP, Emergency Medicine and Medical Director of Regional Operations at Altru Health System, has been named a member of Altru’s Board of Directors. Dr. McKinnon brings years of medical experience to the board of directors as an emergency medicine physician, clinical assistant professor at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and advanced life support course instructor, including: Cardiac (ACLS), Pediatric (PALS) and Trauma (ATLS). Dr. McKinnon also supports the training associated with the Rural Trauma Team Development Course He will hold a three-year term.

Daniel C. Roline, Vice Chair, Midwest Region, Provider Relations, Mayo Clinic, has been named as a member of Altru’s Board of Directors. Roline manages the Mayo Clinic Care Network, which is a network of like-minded organizations sharing a common commitment to improving the delivery of healthcare in the U.S. and beyond. Dan’s past work experience includes a variety of leadership roles and business planning activities. Prior to his role at Mayo Clinic, Dan managed a regional ambulance service where he provided pre-hospital care, disaster preparedness consulting, staff development and continuing education.

He will hold a three-year term. Other members of Altru’s Board of Directors include: Kris Compton, Chair; Lonnie Laffen, Vice Chair; Philip Gisi, Secretary; Keith Okeson and Brad Wehe.

Dakota College At Bottineau Has New Athletic Trainer

BOTTINEAU, N.D. -- DCB welcomes Carolyn Rygg, Athletic Trainer to campus. Carolyn grew up in St. Thomas, ND before her family moved to Mayville, N.D. where she graduated from May-Port CG High School. Carolyn is a certified and licensed athletic trainer. She is an employee of Trinity Health of Minot.

Carolyn earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in 2018 from the University of Mary. She then worked as a graduate assistant at the University of Mary for the academic year of 2018-2019. While at University of Mary she worked with the men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track team along with the men’s soccer team. Carolyn is currently working toward her Master of Education in Physical Education and Athletic Administration with a projected graduation date of April 2020.

Carolyn will work with all seven Lumberjack teams. She will also be the educator of HPER 207 that is available in the spring semester at Dakota College at Bottineau.

Super Studio Hires Two

Super Studio, a business unit of Flint Group, headquartered in Fargo, has added Tanner Bjorlie and Jacob Erickstad as production artists. Bjorlie and Erickstad will create effective, memorable deliverables to support studio growth and the multi-faceted needs of various clients.

Prior to Super Studio, Bjorlie obtained his bachelor’s degree in graphic design at Minnesota State University Moorhead and Erickstad obtained his bachelor’s degree in marketing at North Dakota State University.

Super Studio is a graphic design and digital production shop focused on helping small to midsize-businesses around the region grow through good design and storytelling.

Dsg Promotes Brandon Swenson To Branch Manager

PLYMOUTH, Minn. -- Dakota Supply Group has promoted Brandon Swenson to Branch Manager of its location in Bismarck. Swenson will be responsible for leading DSG’s Bismarck team as it seeks to provide a world-class customer experience in all day-to-day branch operations.

Swenson joined DSG in 2012 as a Warehouse Associate, and then he joined the Inside Sales team in 2016. Throughout the course of his career, Swenson has been heavily involved in training new DSG employee owners, both on the operations and sales sides of the business.

Red River Commodities Promotes Three To Executive Positions

FARGO -- Red River Commodities has announced the promotion of three employees to Executive Positions.

Mike Kotzbacher has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Red River Commodities. He has held various positions at Red River Commodities over the past 12 years including exports, sales, and most recently managing director of food ingredients.

Curtis Kuntz was named Vice President of Red River Commodities Wildlife. Kuntz began his career at Red River Commodities in 2004 as a Financial Controller. He then moved into Operations for three years and for the past five years has been the managing director of the wildlife division.

Todd Mondry was recently named Vice President of Engineering and Operations. He joined Red River Commodities in 1999 and has held positions in operations and process engineering covering all divisions of Red River Commodities and most recently as director of engineering.

Readitech Welcomes New Employees

ELLENDALE, N.D. -– ReadiTech is pleased to announce the hiring of several new employees.

Justin Farkas joined ReadiTech as a Senior Sales Account Executive in the Fargo Office.

Chris Bernard recently joined ReadiTech as a web developer in the Fargo office.

Matt Sorenson, Sales Account Executive, works in the Grand Forks ReadiTech office as a Sales Account Executive.

Brian Cox joined ReadiTech as a Network Analyst in the Fargo office.

Stan Sundby recently joined ReadiTech has a Network Analyst in the Fargo office.

Lisa Roberson is based out of our Bismarck office as works for ReadiTech as a web project coordinator.

Don Campbell Joins Bcbsnd As Senior Vice President And Chief Legal Officer

FARGO, N.D. — Don Campbell has been hired as senior vice president and chief legal officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND).

As chief legal officer at BCBSND, Campbell is responsible for overseeing the legal department, public affairs and the corporate governance committee of the organization. He is further involved in the company’s strategic planning in his role as senior vice president.

Prior to joining BCBSND, Campbell was a partner at an Am Law 200 law firm in Minneapolis where he practiced business and commercial litigation with an emphasis in the areas of health care, pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, as well as ERISA litigation for health plans and their administrators. For more than 20 years he served as first-chair counsel on multiple bench and jury trials, arbitrations and appeals on a nationwide basis. Campbell litigated cases in more than 30 states and federal judicial districts and three tribal courts.

Campbell attained a Bachelor of Arts in economics and international business from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, and went on to earn a doctorate in law from The University of North Dakota School of Law in Grand Forks, N.D.