What is OpenAI's Preparedness Framework?

OpenAI's Preparedness Framework is an initiative to manage and assess the risks associated with AI models, particularly concerning cybersecurity, and to develop necessary safeguards before deployment.

How are AI models being used in cybersecurity threats?

AI models can be weaponized to automate brute-force attacks, generate malware, create convincing phishing content, and streamline cybercriminal operations.

Can AI also help in cybersecurity defense, according to OpenAI?

Yes, OpenAI believes AI can assist defenders by identifying threats, refining protective systems, and automating time-consuming tasks like alert triage.

Home / Technology / AI's Cyber Threat Escalates: OpenAI Prepares Defenses

AI's Cyber Threat Escalates: OpenAI Prepares Defenses

12 Dec, 2025

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Summary

AI models can automate attacks and generate malware.
OpenAI's Preparedness Framework aims to manage AI risks.
AI capabilities in cybersecurity have rapidly increased.

AI's Cyber Threat Escalates: OpenAI Prepares Defenses

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) models, including those developed by OpenAI, presents a significant dual-use challenge for cybersecurity. These models can be exploited by malicious actors to automate attacks, generate malware, and refine cybercriminal workflows. Conversely, AI offers powerful tools for defenders to identify threats, improve protective systems, and automate tasks like alert triage, freeing up human analysts for more critical work.

Recognizing these escalating risks, OpenAI has outlined its strategy in a Preparedness Framework, updated in April 2025. This framework guides the organization's approach to balancing AI development with robust defense measures. OpenAI has stated it will not deploy highly capable models until sufficient safeguards against severe harm are in place, emphasizing a commitment to rigorous internal and external validation of these protections.