OpenAI pledges $1 billion to cyber defense, but Bitcoin and Ethereum not directly named

OpenAI offers discounted security tools to frontline defenders

OpenAI announced on Thursday that it will provide $1 billion worth of subsidized access to its cybersecurity tools over the next six months. The program aims to help organizations defend against AI-powered attacks, including "zero-day" exploits.

Zero-day exploits are attacks that target hidden software flaws before developers have a chance to fix them. The pledge covers discounted access to OpenAI's "Daybreak" platform, along with training and technical support.

While the initiative targets critical sectors, cryptocurrency exchanges and major blockchain protocols like Bitcoin and Ethereum were not explicitly mentioned in the announcement. However, teams maintaining open-source crypto software may still qualify under a different category.

Who qualifies for the cybersecurity program

OpenAI stated that the priority list includes water and wastewater systems, electricity grid operators, state and local governments, community banks, nonprofits, and open-source maintainers.

About 2,000 organizations already use the Daybreak platform. The service has two tiers: "Blue" for standard defensive work and "Red" for sensitive tasks requiring specialized models.

The announcement did not list specific cryptocurrency companies. However, the category for "open-source maintainers" could apply to the small teams and unpaid volunteers who maintain critical software like Bitcoin Core and Ethereum clients.

AI models can now find and exploit software flaws

The funding pledge follows a disclosure from earlier in the week about OpenAI's new "Astra" model. According to the company, Astra can independently find previously unknown software flaws and turn them into working attacks without human guidance.

This development marks a shift in cybersecurity, as the ability to build automated attacks was previously limited to expert hacking teams. Organizations are now seeking advanced AI tools to protect their networks against these new capabilities.

How to apply

Eligible organizations can apply through the Daybreak website. OpenAI said it plans to extend the model to partner countries in the coming weeks.

Context for the crypto industry

The announcement comes during a slow period for crypto applications and network technologies. Recently, a flaw was discovered in BTCPay Server, a payment processing tool used by some cryptocurrency businesses.

What is confirmed

• OpenAI is providing $1 billion in subsidized access to Daybreak over six months.
• The priority groups include critical infrastructure and open-source maintainers.
• Cryptocurrency exchanges were not specifically named in the eligible categories.
• OpenAI's Astra model can autonomously find and exploit software flaws.

What is still unclear

• It is unconfirmed how many open-source crypto projects will apply or be accepted into the program.
• The exact criteria for qualifying as an "open-source maintainer" in the context of blockchain software have not been detailed by OpenAI.

Sources

• CoinDesk