AI isn’t just writing poems and generating images anymore. It’s also helping hackers pull off smarter, scarier scams. From fake phone calls that mimic your CEO’s voice to ultra-realistic emails that look like they came from your HR team, the threat is real.
To fight back, OpenAI just made its first investment in a cybersecurity startup, and it’s a big deal.
Meet Adaptive Security: Your AI Scam Simulator
Based in New York, Adaptive Security just closed a $43 million Series A funding round. The round was co-led by OpenAI’s Startup Fund and Andreessen Horowitz, two heavy hitters in the tech world.
So what does Adaptive actually do?
It creates fake-but-convincing AI scams to train employees. Think of it like a drill, but instead of fire, it’s phishing.
Here’s how it works:
- You get a call from your “CTO” asking for a sensitive login code.
- It sounds real, but it’s not.
- It’s Adaptive’s system, testing how you’d respond.
The platform also runs fake texts and emails, scores which teams are most vulnerable, and helps staff sharpen their instincts before a real attack happens.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
The biggest cybersecurity breaches often start with one thing: a human mistake.
- Clicking a sketchy link.
- Sharing login info over the phone.
- Opening an innocent-looking attachment.
That’s why Adaptive focuses on social engineering attacks – the kind that rely on tricking people, not breaking firewalls.
Real-World Example:
Remember the Axie Infinity hack from 2022? A fake job offer led to a $600 million loss. That’s the kind of mistake Adaptive wants to help prevent.
AI Has Changed the Game (Not in a Good Way)
According to CEO Brian Long, generative AI tools have made it easier than ever for bad actors to create convincing scams.
Here’s what makes them so dangerous:
- AI can mimic voices with scary accuracy.
- It can write phishing emails that pass the smell test.
- It can even generate fake documents like receipts or contracts.
That’s why companies are racing to prepare.
Who’s Behind Adaptive?
Brian Long is no stranger to startups.
- He previously sold TapCommerce to Twitter for over $100M.
- He also co-founded Attentive, valued at more than $10B.
His track record and customer feedback helped catch OpenAI’s attention.
Now, Adaptive serves over 100 companies and is planning to scale fast. Much of the new funding will go toward hiring top-tier engineers to stay ahead in the AI arms race.
Other Startups Fighting AI Threats
Adaptive isn’t alone in this fight. Here are a few others making headlines:
| Startup | Focus Area | Funding/Valuation |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberhaven | Prevents misuse of tools like ChatGPT | Raised $100M, valued at $1B |
| Snyk | Tackles insecure AI-generated code | Over $300M ARR |
| GetReal | Builds deepfake detection tools | Raised $17.5M in latest round |
Quick Tip from the CEO: Delete Your Voicemail
Brian Long has a surprisingly simple piece of advice:
“If you’re worried someone might clone your voice – just delete your voicemail.”
Makes sense, right? The less audio hackers have, the harder it is to mimic you.
What This Means for Your Business
AI is growing fast, and so are the risks. If you’re running a company, now’s the time to:
- Train your team with realistic AI simulations.
- Review how you handle voice messages and sensitive emails.
- Stay informed about the tools attackers are using.
Companies like Adaptive Security are showing that with the right prep, employees can be the strongest defense, not the weakest link.
