Summary:
$1.8M contract awarded to Jericho Security by the Department of Defense.
Focus on combating deepfake attacks and AI-powered threats against military personnel.
Jericho's training programs address the 95% of data breaches caused by human error.
The predator and prey model enhances both offensive and defensive cybersecurity capabilities.
Part of a larger initiative by AFWERX to integrate private sector technology into military operations.
The Department of Defense has made a significant move by awarding its first-ever generative AI defense contract to Jericho Security, a New York-based startup. This $1.8 million contract aims to bolster military cybersecurity against deepfake attacks and other AI-powered threats targeting military personnel, including drone pilots.
Pioneering AI Defense Solutions
Jericho Security is tasked with developing advanced cybersecurity solutions for the Department of the Air Force. CEO Sage Wohns highlighted the significance of this contract, stating, "This is one of the first generative AI contracts awarded in defense, marking a major milestone in how seriously our military is addressing AI-based threats."
Combatting AI-Powered Phishing Attacks
Jericho's strategy focuses on simulating complex phishing attacks that involve multiple communication channels. Wohns explained that today’s phishing attacks extend beyond emails to include text messages, phone calls, and video calls. The startup emphasizes that up to 95% of data breaches are due to human error, thus creating tailored security training programs using generative AI to simulate sophisticated attacks.
Addressing Deepfake Threats
The timing of this contract is crucial, as military personnel face increasing threats, including spear-phishing attacks targeting Air Force drone pilots. Jericho has played a role in evaluating vulnerabilities through attack simulations and specialized training.
Setting Standards for Military Cybersecurity
Jericho Security’s achievement in landing a Defense Department contract validates its efforts in the competitive cybersecurity market. The company adheres to military-grade cybersecurity standards, ensuring secure handling of sensitive data through end-to-end encryption.
Innovative Defense Approaches
Rather than reacting to known threats, Jericho employs a “predator and prey” model, continuously simulating attacks to enhance both offensive and defensive capabilities. This proactive approach allows their AI systems to adapt to emerging threats.
The contract is part of a broader initiative by AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force, to accelerate military adoption of private sector technology, with over $4.7 billion awarded since 2019 to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base.
Comments