The rise of generative AI has revolutionized tools available to malicious actors, enabling everything from deepfake scams involving CEOs to counterfeit financial documents. As these threats grow more sophisticated, companies are racing to strengthen their defenses.
OpenAI, a dominant player in the generative AI space, is stepping into the cybersecurity arena by investing in Adaptive Security—a New York-based startup dedicated to combating AI-driven threats. The company recently raised $43 million in a Series A funding round co-led by OpenAI’s startup fund and Andreessen Horowitz. This marks OpenAI’s first investment in a cybersecurity firm, confirming its interest in mitigating the very risks AI advancements can create.
Adaptive Security employs AI-generated “hacks” to train employees to recognize and counter social engineering tactics. For example, a simulated phone call might replicate the voice of a company’s CTO requesting a verification code—when, in reality, it’s a highly convincing AI-generated spoof.
The platform’s scope extends beyond voice manipulation, encompassing fake texts and emails while assessing which parts of an organization are most susceptible to attacks. By training employees to identify vulnerabilities, Adaptive Security aims to stay one step ahead of AI-driven threats.
The startup zeroes in on social engineering attacks—scams where hackers trick employees into performing unsafe actions, such as clicking on malicious links. Despite their simplicity, these tactics can result in massive losses. A notable example is the 2022 Axie Infinity breach, where a fake job offer led to a $600 million heist.
AI’s ability to enhance social engineering attacks has made them more challenging to detect. Brian Long, co-founder and CEO of Adaptive Security, attributes his company’s success to its innovative approach and strong customer feedback. Launched in 2023, Adaptive has already attracted over 100 clients, which contributed to OpenAI’s decision to back the startup.
Long is no newcomer to entrepreneurship. He previously sold mobile ad startup TapCommerce to Twitter for over $100 million in 2014 and later co-founded ad-tech company Attentive, valued at over $10 billion in 2021. Now, with fresh funding, Adaptive Security is prioritizing product development and expanding its engineering team to keep pace in the AI-fueled cybersecurity arms race.
The surge in AI-driven threats has led to a growing ecosystem of cybersecurity startups. Competitors like Cyberhaven, Snyk, and GetReal are also securing significant investments to address evolving challenges.
As AI continues to enhance the capabilities of malicious actors, companies must adapt quickly. Long offers one simple piece of advice for those concerned about AI-powered voice cloning: “Delete your voicemail.”
