AI-Powered Lightweight Intrusion Detection for Enterprise Networks

Use Case:

Development of a scalable AI-enabled network intrusion detection solution to enhance cybersecurity in enterprise and public service environments without requiring complex hardware setups.

Outcome:

Business model tailored for SaaS integration and customer onboarding; Lightweight, performant IDS design leveraging ML/AI components; Roadmap defined for deployment on both local and extended networks.

Ecosystem Support:

StairwAI support program, technical and business mentoring for AI roadmap design, business model refinement, and access to AI expertise for advanced analytics.

AI Relevance:

The project exemplifies AI accessibility for SMEs via: I) targeted expert support to overcome AI skills gaps; II) integration of AI in existing software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings; III) iterative business validation through experiments; IV) embedding AI to improve resilience and security in enterprise environments.

Summary:

Citypassenger, a French SME delivering enterprise-grade software solutions, sought to expand its product portfolio with an AI-enabled cybersecurity offering. Through the StairwAI support program, the company developed LIONESS, an AI-based and lightweight Network Intrusion Detection System (IDS) designed for rapid deployment and minimal computational overhead. The goal was to offer an advanced cybersecurity layer that fits seamlessly into Citypassenger’s existing SaaS product line—providing customers with real-time protection without major infrastructure changes. The Feasibility Plan, co-developed with external AI experts, delineated three major technical tasks and helped prioritize resources by distinguishing internally manageable components from those requiring external AI expertise. Simultaneously, a tailored Business Model Canvas was created to align with market needs and mitigate risks such as low customer willingness to invest in cybersecurity or the emergence of competitive solutions. Business experiments and pilot tests are now planned to validate market assumptions. Following the program, Citypassenger intends to conduct software development for time-series analysis, deploy LIONESS in local area networks, and then scale to broader network topologies. The project underlines the critical role of strategic AI integration and expert mentoring in enabling SMEs to bring trusted AI solutions to market.