In an era defined by ever-evolving cyber threats, Jericho Security has made waves by securing $15 million in Series A funding, a move designed to amplify its AI-driven cybersecurity training platform. Based in New York, this innovative startup has gained substantial recognition following the execution of a notable $1.8 million Department of Defense contract that propelled it into the limelight. Jericho’s co-founder and CEO, Sage Wohns, highlighted the urgency of modern threats, stating, “Within minutes, a sophisticated attacker can now create a voice clone that sounds exactly like your CFO requesting an urgent wire transfer.” This insight underscores a growing concern in cybersecurity—traditional training methods are no longer adequate to combat rapidly advancing attacks.
The investment round was led by Era Fund’s Jasper Lau, who also supported Jericho’s previous funding efforts. However, the strategic importance of this financial backing extends beyond mere capital infusion. Investors, including Lux Capital and various specialized funds, recognize the vital role Jericho aims to play in a sector projected to double its value to $10 billion by 2027 due to the increasing acknowledgment of human factors as the leading vulnerability in security.
Adapting to Modern Threats with Innovative Solutions
The sophistication of cyber threats is at an all-time high, as exemplified by the Pentagon’s choice of Jericho for a generative AI defense contract. The mission was to safeguard military personnel from advanced phishing attacks, demonstrating the pressing need for a paradigm shift in training methodologies. Wohns recounted a significant incident where a spear-phishing attack targeted drone pilots, revealing how even the most skilled personnel are susceptible to deception.
Jericho Security’s unique offering leverages “agentic AI,” a revolutionary approach that replaces conventional training paradigms. Instead of using static training modules that rely on outdated threat models, Jericho’s platform simulates real-world cyber attacks across multiple channels—emails, texts, and video calls—adapting to users’ responses and behaviors. This dynamic training mechanism ensures that employees are prepared for the diverse and evolving strategies utilized by criminals.
Crucial Insights from Early Users
Early data from Jericho’s deployments reveal that employees who engage with their adaptive simulations are 64% less likely to fall victim to phishing attempts compared to those who rely on traditional training methods. This statistic is particularly alarming, considering the financial implications of such attacks. Wohns shared a concerning case involving a CFO who was misled during a video call with deepfakes posing as company executives. The incident not only underscores the potential for significant financial loss but also highlights the necessity for organizations to evolve their security strategies.
As reported, the first quarter of 2025 marked over $200 million in global losses due to deepfake fraud, with increasing instances reported across North America, Asia, and Europe. The staggering 1,700% increase in deepfake attack attempts in North America exemplifies the urgent need for companies to adopt advanced training solutions that can effectively counter these rapidly rising threats.
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity
An eye-opening perspective provided by Wohns notes a burgeoning concern: “AI agents phishing AI agents.” This highlights a transformative shift where AI systems themselves become targets for cybercriminals. As organizations incorporate AI tools in their operations—from chatbots to automated systems—they inadvertently expose new vulnerabilities. The complexity of this threat is alarming, as many companies remain ill-prepared to safeguard high-level digital interactions against such sophisticated manipulations.
Jericho Security recognizes this emerging need and has introduced a self-service platform enabling small to medium-sized businesses to quickly implement AI-driven security training without lengthy sales cycles. This initiative marks a significant departure from traditional cybersecurity procurement, which often comes with cumbersome processes.
Investing in Future-Ready Solutions
With the new funding, Jericho plans to enhance its research capacity, expand market reach through strategic partnerships, and grow its team of AI and cybersecurity professionals. Wohns articulated the challenge of keeping pace with AI advancements, emphasizing that Jericho’s technology must be adaptable to address the rapid changes in the threat landscape effectively.
Customers have responded positively to this forward-thinking approach; they appreciate Jericho’s proactive strategies that reveal vulnerabilities and facilitate the development of personalized remediation programs. With pressing changes in how businesses approach cybersecurity training, Jericho Security’s innovative tactics make it a potential game-changer in redefining trust and effectiveness in digital interactions.
As the lines between human and machine blur, the future of cybersecurity training hinges on adaptive, responsive, and intelligent systems that not only teach but also anticipate the strategies used by cyber adversaries. The need for progressive thinking in cybersecurity has never been more critical, and Jericho Security is at the forefront of this necessary evolution.