In a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, New York-based Jericho Security is gaining significant traction with its innovative AI-powered cybersecurity training platform. The recent announcement of $15 million in Series A funding heralds a new chapter for the startup, underscoring its potential to reshape how organizations approach cybersecurity training. This investment, spurred by the company’s successful execution of a vital Department of Defense contract, emphasizes the urgent need for advanced solutions in cybersecurity—an arena where traditional methods continue to falter.
Jericho Security, founded only two years ago, has already positioned itself as a noteworthy contender against larger, established players like KnowBe4 and Proofpoint. Their rise to prominence can be attributed to the stark realities of modern cyber threats, including sophisticated phishing attacks that exploit human behavior rather than technological vulnerabilities. CEO Sage Wohns encapsulates the urgent need for innovation in cybersecurity training: “Traditional cybersecurity training simply hasn’t kept pace with these threats.”
The Funding Journey and Strategic Vision
The funding round was led by Jasper Lau of Era Fund and was significantly backed by notable investors, including Lux Capital and Dash Fund. This support not only reflects confidence in Jericho’s vision but also signals a broader trend toward recognizing the urgency of adaptive cybersecurity training in the face of escalating cyber threats. The recognition garnered from the Pentagon’s choice of Jericho for its generative AI defense contract was pivotal, demonstrating the company’s capability to protect critical personnel from advanced attack vectors.
Traditional cybersecurity training methods tend to rely on static approaches that fail to adapt to the evolving tactics of cybercriminals. Jericho’s vision diverges sharply from these outdated paradigms. By harnessing “agentic AI,” the platform creates scenarios that mimic actual attacks, continuously learning and adjusting to better target employee behaviors. This revolutionary training model is not merely about defending against yesterday’s tactics; it actively prepares teams for the unknown future of cyber threats.
AI and Its Role in Cyber Deception
The concept of deepfake technology—manipulated digital content that can convincingly portray individuals—has begun to infiltrate the world of cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of training solutions that can keep pace with technological advances. Wohns illustrates this point with a harrowing example: a CFO misled into transferring a substantial sum to what appeared to be legitimate company executives, only to discover they were deepfakes. Such incidents showcase the staggering capability of AI to exploit vulnerabilities, prompting the urgent need for adaptive training solutions.
The financial stakes are clear. As noted in industry reports, North America has seen a staggering increase in deepfake-enabled fraud incidents, with losses surpassing $200 million at the start of 2025 alone. This alarming trend raises questions about the efficacy of existing training methods that focus predominantly on traditional formats, which simply cannot prepare employees for the nuances of deepfake technology and other sophisticated threats.
The AI-Powered Training Revolution
Jericho’s multifaceted training approach contrasts sharply with conventional practices that utilize rigid templates. The platform integrates diverse communication channels, from email to video calls, tailoring scenarios for individual employees based on their roles and historical behaviors. This personalized training is crucial, as it addresses the human aspects of vulnerabilities—where traditional training methods often overlook the unique behavioral patterns of individual employees.
Initial results indicate that employees who undergo this AI-driven training are 64% less likely to fall victim to phishing attempts than their peers receiving traditional instruction. Such metrics not only validate Jericho’s approach but also highlight the critical importance of evolving training techniques in line with current threat landscapes.
Acknowledging Emerging Threats
As organizations increasingly incorporate AI tools for tasks ranging from customer support to operational management, they inadvertently expand their attack surfaces. The notion of “AI agents phishing AI agents” presents a concerning shift in cybersecurity dynamics. As both human employees and AI systems become potential targets, the landscape demands unprecedented adaptability and innovation in training methodologies.
To combat this emerging challenge, Jericho has created a self-service platform catering to small and medium-sized businesses—an often neglected segment in cybersecurity training. By simplifying the registration process and allowing for easy trials without entangling sales meetings, this initiative represents a significant shift against the industry’s traditional sales models.
Future Prospects Amidst Change
The $15 million influx will significantly bolster Jericho’s research and development, amplify go-to-market strategies, and expand its talented team focused on AI and cybersecurity. Wohns acknowledges that keeping pace with the rapid evolution of AI requires a flexible architecture capable of adaptation. As the trust in digital communications continues to blur, it becomes imperative for organizations to secure their assets collectively—embracing a new approach that recognizes the digital and human elements as interconnected facets of cybersecurity.
In an era where trust and authenticity in digital interactions are increasingly compromised, the industry’s willingness to adapt and innovate will determine its resilience against future threats. Jericho Security is not just riding the wave of innovation; it is actively steering the ship toward a more secure future.