As the digital landscape becomes increasingly complex, cybersecurity threats have evolved, necessitating a reevaluation of our defenses. Traditional training methods have long relied on static paradigms, rendering many organizations vulnerable. Jericho Security, a promising New York startup, has surfaced as a key player in this reshaped arena, securing $15 million in Series A funding to propel its cutting-edge cybersecurity training platform. Building on its past success in executing a significant Department of Defense contract, Jericho is poised to adapt to the sophisticated and rapidly changing threat environment that now dictates the cybersecurity landscape.
Sage Wohns, the co-founder and CEO of Jericho Security, articulates a critical challenge we face: “Within minutes, a sophisticated attacker can now create a voice clone that sounds exactly like your CFO requesting an urgent wire transfer.” This assertion underscores an alarming truth — traditional methods of cybersecurity training are failing to keep pace with evolving threats, such as deepfake technology and social engineering attacks.
A Unique Approach to Cybersecurity Education
Jericho Security distinguishes itself by integrating artificial intelligence intosecurity protocols. Rather than employing traditional training templates, which often fall short against contemporary threats, their platform embodies what Wohns coins as “agentic AI.” This innovative system autonomously mimics the behavior of real attackers. For example, if an employee disregards a suspicious email, the AI may launch a follow-up text, seemingly from a superior, pushing the envelope of deception further. This proactive and responsive simulation not only enriches the training experience but also tailors it to individual user behaviors and responses.
The platform’s multi-channel approach stands in stark contrast to conventional training systems that often prepare employees for outdated attack scenarios. By incorporating various mediums—email, voice, text messaging, and even video calls—Jericho offers tailored attack simulations that reflect the real-world, nuanced threats employees face today. The data gathered from their client dashboards can pinpoint how vulnerabilities manifest within specific employee groups, allowing for more strategic remediation efforts.
Early evidence of the platform’s efficacy is compelling. Employees trained through Jericho’s adaptive, AI-driven simulations are reportedly 64% less likely to fall for phishing attempts compared to those who undergo standard security awareness training. Such statistics signify not only the innovation but also the immediate relevance of Jericho’s solutions in a field ripe for disruption.
Addressing the Deepfake Epidemic
One of the most pressing challenges in cybersecurity is the emergence of deepfake technology. Jericho’s systems are designed to prepare organizations against increasingly sophisticated attacks—like the case of a CFO duped into transferring $500,000 during a video call with AI-generated deepfakes of company executives. The implications of such technology are profound; as exaggerated in Wohns’ recounting, this sort of deception exemplifies a worrying trend—one where even the savviest individuals can be compromised.
The financial ramifications are staggering. Reports indicate that losses from deepfake-enabled fraud have soared past $200 million globally in just the first quarter of 2025, with a significant percentage of incidents occurring in North America. It’s clear that the security landscape is in a flux driven by technological advancements that traditional preventive measures are ill-equipped to handle.
The Future of AI in Cybersecurity
In an era where AI tools proliferate within corporate structures, a new peril has emerged: AI agents targeting other AI agents. Wohns highlights that these new forms of deception target the very systems designed to protect organizations—adding layers of complexity to an already complicated threat matrix. “It’s no longer just humans being deceived,” he warns, stressing the necessity for a cybersecurity paradigm shift.
Jericho recognizes this urgency. They’ve created a self-service platform to allow small and medium enterprises to access AI-driven security training without the complications of traditional enterprise sales processes. This initiative reflects an understanding of the changing dynamics in the cybersecurity landscape and a commitment to democratizing access to sophisticated protective measures.
Additionally, the recent funding will further bolster Jericho’s research and development initiatives, enabling them to remain agile in the face of rapidly evolving technology. Wohns emphasizes the need for ongoing adaptability, stating, “Our architecture needs to be flexible enough to adapt quickly.” This mindset is pivotal for staying ahead in the cybersecurity race, where stagnation could lead to exploitation.
As organizations grapple with the blurred lines between genuine and deceptive communications, Jericho Security offers a beacon of hope—a reinvention of how we prepare against complex cyber threats in an increasingly digital world. Their model illustrates that innovative thinking, combined with adaptive technology, can reshape our defense mechanisms against one of the most pressing issues of our time.