Canada's BlackBerry Ltd raised its bets on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity this week with the US$1.4 billion purchase of U.S. machine-learning specialist Cylance, Reuters reported. The Irvine, California-based Cylance uses machine learning to preempt security breaches before they occur. Its applications seek to block malware or infiltration attempts rather than react after a breach. Founded in 2012, Cylance secured more than US$280 million from venture capital funds, according to Refinitiv data. That includes the US$120 million raised earlier this year in a round led by Blackstone Tactical Opportunities.