ChatGPT maker OpenAI has backed a security start-up in a sign the company might be about to focus more heavily on cyber protections.
With generative AI enabling more sophisticated cyberattacks like deepfakes and phishing content, OpenAI has revealed a major supporting role for Adaptive Security.
The New York-based startup helps companies defend against AI-powered cyberattacks, and already counts over 100 enterprise clients on its books since publicly launching in January 2023.
“I’m thrilled to announce our $43 million investment round, led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and the OpenAI Startup Fund – marking OpenAI’s first-ever investment in a cybersecurity company,” shared Adaptive’s CEO and co-founder Brian Long.
Long noted that social engineering continues to be the leading cause of security breaches, but artificial intelligence has enabled attackers to “[increase] the efficacy and blast radius of these attacks.”
It doesn’t just come down to the creation of content, because AI can now imitate colleagues and business leaders to “make phone calls, send emails or text your team.”
For decades, policymakers, leaders and individuals from all walks of life have been split on whether we can fight fire with fire, but Long believes AI can be the solution to AI-enhanced threats: “With the right models and data, we can simulate realistic AI attacks, train employees to recognize threats, triage suspicious behavior in real time, and surface risk before it turns into loss.”
Demonstrating how realistic deepfakes can be, Long even has a deepfake of himself on the website that customers can interact with. I asked the fake Brian to tell me about the company: “We offer a suite of next-generation cybersecurity training and simulation products designed to protect organizations from advanced threats,” he said.
It’s unclear how much money OpenAI invested individually, but the fact that the AI giant is now getting involved with cybersecurity – not least, relating to its own products’ impact – is especially noteworthy.
Adaptive Security, a cybersecurity start-up, has recently secured a significant investment of $43 million. The investment comes from key investors such as OpenAI and a16z, indicating a growing focus on cyber protections in the industry.
Adaptive Security aims to address the growing threats of social engineering and deepfakes in the cybersecurity landscape. With the rise of generative AI enabling more sophisticated cyberattacks, the need for advanced security measures has become paramount.
Based in New York, Adaptive Security already serves over 100 enterprise clients since its public launch in January 2023. The company specializes in helping organizations defend against AI-powered cyberattacks.
OpenAI's involvement in backing Adaptive Security marks a significant milestone for the cybersecurity industry. This investment signifies OpenAI's first foray into cybersecurity and highlights the importance of combating AI-enhanced threats.
Adaptive Security's CEO and co-founder, Brian Long, emphasized the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing security breaches. He believes that with the right models and data, AI can be used to simulate realistic attacks, train employees to recognize threats, and mitigate risks in real time.
To showcase the capabilities of deepfake technology, Long even created a deepfake version of himself on the company's website. This interactive feature allows customers to engage with a simulated version of the CEO.
The exact amount of OpenAI's investment in Adaptive Security remains undisclosed. However, the involvement of a prominent AI company in cybersecurity underscores the significance of addressing advanced threats in the digital landscape.
