The Department of Defense has recently awarded its first generative AI defense contract to Jericho Security, a New York-based startup specializing in cybersecurity. The $1.8 million Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II contract, facilitated through AFWERX, tasks Jericho Security with developing advanced cybersecurity solutions for the Department of the Air Force.
Sage Wohns, CEO of Jericho Security, emphasized the significance of this contract, stating that it marks a major milestone in how the military addresses AI-based threats. Jericho Security’s approach revolves around simulating complex, multi-channel phishing attacks that mimic real-world scenarios. Wohns explained that modern phishing campaigns extend beyond emails to incorporate coordinated efforts across various platforms such as text messages, phone calls, and video calls.
What sets Jericho Security apart is its focus on human vulnerability, which is often considered the weakest link in cybersecurity. The company asserts that up to 95% of data breaches result from human error. Their platform generates personalized security training programs based on individual risk profiles, utilizing generative AI to replicate sophisticated attacks including deepfake impersonations and AI-generated malware.
The timing of this contract is crucial as military personnel face increasingly targeted attacks. Jericho Security assisted in evaluating vulnerabilities through attack simulation and specialized training following a spear-phishing attack on Air Force drone pilots that utilized fake user manuals. Landing a Defense Department contract is a significant validation for Jericho Security as it positions the company to expand into the government sector.
Military contracts necessitate stringent security measures, and Jericho Security maintains military-grade cybersecurity standards, including end-to-end encryption and isolated secure environments for handling sensitive military data. Unlike traditional cybersecurity methods that react to known threats, Jericho Security employs a “predator and prey” model, allowing their AI systems to evolve alongside emerging threats rather than simply reacting to them.
The Air Force contract, executed through AFWERX, is part of a larger initiative to accelerate military adoption of private sector technology. AFWERX has awarded over 6,200 contracts worth more than $4.7 billion since 2019, aiming to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and expedite technology deployment. Jericho Security’s innovative approach to cybersecurity positions them as a key player in the evolving landscape of military cybersecurity.
