OpenAI expands Daybreak programme to strengthen AI-based cyber defence
OpenAI is expanding its Daybreak cybersecurity programme with two new access tiers. The expansion aims to provide approved defenders with access to advanced AI before threat actors deploy large-scale offensive AI attacks.

What happened?
OpenAI is expanding its Daybreak security programme to grant approved IT security experts access to advanced AI models. The programme is being divided into two access tiers to tailor features to the specific needs of defenders. The purpose is to enable security teams to detect vulnerabilities, analyse malicious code and validate security updates at a faster pace.
Key facts
| Programnamn | OpenAI Daybreak |
|---|---|
| Antal åtkomstnivåer | 2 nivåer för godkända försvarare |
| Publiceringsdatum | 10 augusti 2026 |
”Our answer is to put frontier intelligence in the hands of trusted defenders everywhere before attackers deploy offensive AI capabilities at scale.”
Why it matters
The expansion follows expectations that threat actors will increasingly use AI to carry out large-scale and autonomous cyberattacks. By providing defensive actors with access to cutting-edge technology before large-scale offensive AI tools become widespread, OpenAI intends to tip the balance in favour of the defenders.
Who is affected?
The initiative is aimed at vetted IT security experts, security analysts and organisations working with defensive cybersecurity. End users and companies are affected indirectly as software and digital systems can be protected more effectively against AI-assisted attacks.
What else you should know
The initiative reflects a growing strategy within the IT security industry where developers attempt to give certified defenders an advantage before automated attack tools become widely available. The source material emphasises that access will be strictly controlled to prevent the tools from being misused for malicious purposes.
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