#United States #New York #AI Threats #Adaptive Security #OpenAI Fund

OpenAI Fund's Investment in Adaptive Security

On September 9, 2025, Adaptive Security announced a significant boost to its funding through a follow-on investment from the OpenAI Startup Fund, raising its total funding to an impressive $55 million. Known for being the premier firm in AI social engineering prevention, Adaptive Security stands out as the only cybersecurity investment made by the OpenAI Startup Fund. This distinctive support underscores OpenAI's profound confidence in Adaptive Security's innovative and human-centered approach to protecting against an evolving landscape of AI-related threats.

With the increasing integration of AI into daily life—from shopping and working to communicating—cybersecurity must pivot to prioritize human elements over mere infrastructures. Brian Long, the co-founder and CEO of Adaptive Security, emphasized this shift, stating that "Cybersecurity now begins with people, not just infrastructure." As deceptive AI attacks become more commonplace, rethinking training and protective measures for individuals is becoming critical. Long warned that without such upgrades, society risks entering a world where trust itself could be our most significant liability.

The Growing Risks of AI-Driven Cybersecurity Threats

The recent surge in incidents related to AI threats highlights their rapidly invasive nature. In June, alarming warnings emerged from U.S. officials regarding AI-generated messages that impersonated Secretary of State Marco Rubio, targeting various high-profile individuals, including members of Congress and state governors. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman voiced similar concerns at a Federal Reserve event, predicting an impending "fraud crisis" fuelled by AI-driven impersonations.

Organizations, particularly large companies, have long been prime targets for such schemes. However, consumers are also facing increased exposure to these threats. In one notable case, a deceptive video circulating on X falsely marketed a 100 million XRP rewards initiative, prompting a stark warning from Ripple's CTO to investors against the scam. Furthermore, in Michigan alone, the FBI reported that AI-based voice cloning and fake video schemes led to staggering losses exceeding $240 million for residents in 2024. Such incidents underline the pressing need for robust defenses against AI-enabled fraud, which is now a personal issue for many individuals.

Defensive Mechanisms Offered by Adaptive Security

To tackle this alarming trend, Adaptive Security's innovative platform offers a comprehensive strategy designed to fortify against AI-driven threats. Key features include:

• - AI-Powered Phishing Simulations: The platform conducts sophisticated simulations of voice, video, and messaging deepfakes to evaluate an organization's resilience.
• - Personalized Security Training: Tailored training programs are crafted to align with each user’s ongoing risk profile, ensuring that the defense mechanisms are relevant and effective.
• - Real-Time Triage and Reporting: The platform facilitates swift detection and containment of impersonation attempts, minimizing potential damage.
• - AI-Driven Risk Scoring: A data-oriented approach prioritizes defenses in areas of highest concern, allowing organizations to allocate resources more effectively.

Investor Insights

Ian Hathaway, a partner at the OpenAI Startup Fund, expressed admiration for Adaptive Security’s rapid innovation in building AI-native defenses against increasingly sophisticated threats. He remarked, "Adaptive is moving with incredible product speed to build AI-native defenses for equally advanced threats.” The platform, with its realistic deepfake simulations and impactful training, is hailed as a vital resource for modern security teams. Hathaway commented on the urgency highlighted by Altman, referencing the growing inadequacy of existing authentication methods, particularly in financial institutions that continue to accept voiceprints.

Conclusion

As AI technologies evolve, Adaptive Security is ideally poised to redefine how organizations and individuals defend against evolving threats. With ongoing support from OpenAI, the firm is committed to shaping a resilient response to the complex challenges posed by AI-enabled fraud and deception.

For more information on Adaptive Security and their groundbreaking solutions, visit www.adaptivesecurity.com.