Generative AI has dramatically enhanced the capabilities of cybercriminals, enabling them to execute a wide array of malicious activities, from creating deepfakes of corporate executives to generating fraudulent receipts. OpenAI, the leading company in the generative AI landscape, has recognized the rise of such threats and has recently taken action by investing in a cybersecurity startup aimed at countering these risks.
New York-based Adaptive Security has successfully raised $43 million in a Series A funding round, jointly led by OpenAI’s startup fund and Andreessen Horowitz. This marks OpenAI’s inaugural investment in a cybersecurity venture, highlighting its commitment to address the vulnerabilities that generative AI presents.
Adaptive Security’s innovative platform focuses on simulating AI-generated hacks to help businesses train their employees in recognizing and combating these threats. For instance, an employee may receive a phone call from what seems to be their CTO requesting a verification code; however, it would actually be a spoofed voice created by Adaptive Security. The platform encompasses various communication methods, including calls, texts, and emails, evaluating which parts of an organisation are most susceptible to attacks and educating staff to identify potential threats.
The startup specifically targets social engineering attacks, which often rely on persuading employees to undertake inappropriate actions, such as clicking on malicious links. Such attacks, though seemingly straightforward, have resulted in significant financial losses. A notable example is Axie Infinity, which was victim to a fake job offer that led to a staggering loss of over $600 million in 2022.
According to co-founder and CEO Brian Long, AI tools have greatly simplified the execution of social engineering hacks. Since its launch in 2023, Adaptive Security has garnered over 100 clients, with positive feedback contributing to OpenAI’s decision to invest.
Long, a seasoned entrepreneur with a successful track record that includes the sale of his mobile ad startup TapCommerce to Twitter and the growth of ad-tech company Attentive, revealed that the new funding will primarily be allocated to hiring engineers. This initiative aims to enhance their product offerings and remain competitive in the ongoing “arms race” against cyber adversaries.
As the threat landscape evolves, many other cybersecurity firms are also stepping up to tackle these AI-driven challenges. Cyberhaven recently raised $100 million to prevent employees from inadvertently sharing sensitive data with AI tools like ChatGPT. Similarly, Snyk has reported considerable growth, attributed partially to vulnerabilities in AI-generated code. Furthermore, the deepfake detection firm GetReal raised $17.5 million last month in response to the ongoing rise in AI-related security threats.
In light of increasing sophistication in AI-driven cyber threats, Long offers a straightforward piece of advice for employees concerned about the potential for their voice to be cloned: “Delete your voicemail.”
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