Jericho Security, a promising startup nestled in the heart of New York, is shifting the cybersecurity landscape by closing the gap between traditional training methods and emerging threats. Recent news of their $15 million Series A funding is a testament to the potential impact its innovative approach has on organizational cybersecurity. With the rapid evolution of threats in the digital landscape, Jericho’s AI-driven platform stands out by harnessing cutting-edge technology to effectively prepare individuals for sophisticated attacks that traditional methods fail to address.
CEO and co-founder Sage Wohns highlights a disconcerting reality: “Within minutes, a sophisticated attacker can now create a voice clone that sounds exactly like your CFO requesting an urgent wire transfer.” This statement underscores the urgent need for a more effective training system, one that not only informs employees about potential dangers but actively simulates scenarios they might face. The infusion of $15 million in funds, led by Jasper Lau at Era Fund, aims to bolster research and development, allowing Jericho to refine and expand its training solutions further.
Moving Beyond Static Templates
Traditional cybersecurity awareness training has relied heavily on static templates that cannot keep pace with today’s rapidly changing threat environment. By contrast, Jericho’s platform employs what Wohns refers to as “agentic AI,” an autonomous system that closely mimics the tactics of real-life attackers. This novel approach represents a fundamental shift in how organizations prepare for cybersecurity threats. From emails to voice calls, the all-encompassing multi-channel simulation offers employees realistic and personalized training experiences that can adapt as responses change.
One astonishing feature of this system is how it learns. If an employee fails to recognize a phishing attempt via email, the platform can follow up with a seemingly benign text message from their manager, further nudging them toward deception. This adaptability ensures that employees are continuously prepared for unpredictable and subtle forms of sabotage, rather than being confined to lessons on yesterday’s attacks.
As organizations begin to recognize human error as a primary vulnerability, the effectiveness of Jericho’s training becomes clear. Over time, data has shown that those equipped with the adaptive training offered by Jericho are 64% less likely to fall for phishing attempts than those trained under traditional programs. This substantial difference could mean the safeguarding of millions for businesses grappling with the financial repercussions of cybercrime.
Real-World Challenges Highlighting the Need for Innovation
Jericho’s breakthrough couldn’t come at a more critical time. The company initially garnered attention when awarded a $1.8 million Department of Defense contract aimed at protecting military personnel from increasingly sophisticated phishing attacks. Wohns illustrated the urgency of the situation with a story about a serious incident in which a CFO was duped into transferring $500,000 during a video call with deepfake avatars posing as company executives. This story poignantly emphasizes the lengths to which attackers will go and illustrates how human trust can be exploited through the rise of advanced technologies.
Such instances of deepfake fraud are not just isolated events but rather indicators of a brewing crisis. A startling report released by Resemble AI claims that deepfake-enabled fraud resulted in over $200 million in losses globally during just the first quarter of 2025. North America recorded the highest number of incidents, showcasing a growing need for innovative solutions like those offered by Jericho Security.
When AI Becomes the Target
As organizations increasingly deploy AI to streamline operations, a new vector of attack emerges: AI systems themselves are becoming targets. Wohns astutely highlighted the predicament of “AI agents phishing AI agents.” As automation permeates customer support and internal systems, organizations face the dual threat of safeguarding human teams and their AI counterparts.
This reality not only underscores the complexity of modern cybersecurity but also highlights an alarming trend where traditional security protocols won’t suffice. Organizations must adapt by integrating AI-powered defenses that encompass not only human training but also machine interrogation and protection.
Empowering Businesses with Self-Service Solutions
Recognizing the shifting landscape, Jericho has pioneered a self-service platform that allows small to medium businesses (SMBs) to access cutting-edge training without the typically cumbersome enterprise procurement process. By enabling users to sign up for a free trial without extended sales cycles, Jericho democratizes cybersecurity training, bringing robust protection within reach of all organizations, regardless of size or resources.
Early enthusiasm from customers speaks volumes about their frustrations with outdated solutions and validates the necessity for innovative alternatives in the cybersecurity sector. Jericho’s emphasis on agility and adaptive training resonates in a climate where the full scope of cyber threats remains staggering, making proactive measures not just advisable but essential.
As the lines between human interaction and technology continue to blur, the importance of nurturing a culture of vigilance and adaptability cannot be overstated. The rise of Jericho Security is a clarion call for a new era in cybersecurity awareness, where the human element is fortified with technology that evolves alongside the threats it seeks to counter.
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