OpenAI Cybersecurity Grant Program

Update on February 5, 2026: We are evolving the Cybersecurity Grant Program to focus on large-scale deployment of our models to accelerate cyber defense. With the release of GPT‑5.3‑Codex, we are introducing Trusted Access for Cyber and committing $10M in API credits.

We are launching the Cybersecurity Grant Program—a $1M initiative to boost and quantify AI-powered cybersecurity capabilities and to foster high-level AI and cybersecurity discourse. 

Our goal is to work with defenders across the globe to change the power dynamics of cybersecurity through the application of AI and the coordination of like-minded individuals working for our collective safety.

Our program seeks to: 

1. Empower defenders: We would like to ensure that cutting-edge AI capabilities benefit defenders first and most.

2. Measure capabilities: We are working to develop methods for quantifying the cybersecurity capabilities of AI models, in order to better understand and improve their effectiveness.

3. Elevate discourse: We are dedicated to fostering rigorous discussions at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, encouraging a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this domain.

A traditional view in cybersecurity is that the landscape naturally advantages attackers over defenders. This is summed up in the well-worn axiom: “Defense must be correct 100% of the time, attackers only have to be right once.” While it may be true that attackers face fewer constraints and take advantage of their flexibility, defenders have something more valuable—coordination towards a common goal of keeping people safe.

Below are some general project ideas that our team has put forward: