In a groundbreaking development for military cybersecurity, the Department of Defense has awarded its inaugural contract leveraging generative artificial intelligence (AI) to Jericho Security. The $1.8 million Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II contract, revealed by AFWERX, has marked a significant pivot towards innovative defensive strategies in the realm of cyber defense. This contract, awarded to the New York startup, signifies a pivotal moment in how the armed forces are beginning to take proactive measures against AI-enhanced threats aiming at national security.
Sage Wohns, the CEO of Jericho Security, underscored the importance of this contract in an exclusive discussion with VentureBeat, emphasizing that it represents one of the first-of-its-kind commitments made by the military towards adopting generative AI to enhance defense capabilities. Such decisions underscore the recognition of potential vulnerabilities that arise from an increasingly digital battlefield where traditional methods may no longer suffice.
At the heart of Jericho Security’s strategy is an acute understanding that human error constitutes a major vulnerability in the cybersecurity landscape. Research suggests that a staggering 95% of data breaches originate from mistakes made by individuals rather than technical failures. In addressing this critical weakness, Jericho Security has devised innovative training solutions designed to enhance personal cybersecurity awareness among military personnel. Their approach utilizes generative AI to craft intricate simulations of phishing attacks that reflect real-life scenarios.
Wohns described these simulated assaults as not merely single-channel threats, like emails, but as multifaceted attacks that incorporate various communication forms—text messages, phone calls, and even video conferencing. By immersing users in realistic threat scenarios, Jericho’s platform aims to forge resilience in personnel, shedding light on how conspiratorial phishing attempts can intertwine different channels to yield disastrous consequences.
What differentiates Jericho from its competitors is its commitment to tailoring training programs based on individual risk assessments. By leveraging generative AI, they fine-tune attack simulations to reflect a soldier’s particular vulnerabilities, even extending into the uncharted territory of AI-generated deepfakes and sophisticated malware. This personalized approach promises a more profound understanding of threats and equips individuals with the skills to identify and mitigate dangers preemptively.
The timing of this contract cannot be understated. As military specialists face surging instances of targeted cyber-attacks, such as a notorious spear-phishing campaign aimed at Air Force drone operators, the urgency for adaptive security measures is palpable. Wohns shared insights about how the imitation of fake user manuals in these attacks exemplifies the dangerous innovations at play within the cyber threat landscape. Jericho’s involvement in attack simulations and dedicated training instills confidence within the military ranks, ensuring that personnel are adequately prepared to confront and neutralize such tailored threats.
For a relatively nascent company in a competitive cybersecurity field, securing a contract with the Defense Department not only validates Jericho’s solutions but serves as a significant leap into the government sector, where cybersecurity expenditures are expected to witness substantial growth due to mounting threats.
The contract stipulates that Jericho Security adhere to stringent military-grade cybersecurity protocols, including robust encryption and secure environments dedicated to handling sensitive data. Moving away from reactive models that respond solely to known threats, Jericho employs a method referred to by Wohns as the “predator and prey” model. This proactive strategy focuses on attack simulations that yield essential data, enabling continuous refinement of both offensive and defensive strategies.
The agreement executed through AFWERX—an initiative designed to facilitate the integration of private sector advancements into military operations—reflects broader goals aiming to fortify the U.S. defense infrastructure. Since 2019, AFWERX has allocated contracts worth over $4.7 billion, healing the gap between modern technology and military implementation, which has become more critical than ever.
As the stakes rise with rapid advancements in technology, the adoption of generative AI for military purposes stands to redefine the landscape of cybersecurity. Jericho Security’s pioneering efforts may just be the catalyst needed to revolutionize how the military prepares for and engages with emerging cyber threats.