OpenAI leads call for collective AI cyber defense

The letter from OpenAI arrives amid growing concern that AI will amplify cyber threats, but it also frames defense as a feasible win. The authors argue that current AI progress can help fix vulnerabilities that have persisted for years—like outdated software, weak authentication, and under-resourced security teams in critical infrastructure. By proposing a collective approach with roles for all stakeholders, the letter seeks to shift the narrative from fear to action.

Notably, the list of signatories includes a broad swath of industry, from cloud giants to automakers and payment networks, which signals wide backing across sectors. At the same time, the absence of Apple, Meta, and NVIDIA—key players in AI—suggests some divisions remain. The letter's lack of specific commitments (no dollar figures or deadlines) makes it more of a call to arms than a concrete plan, but the urgency is echoed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who says 'time is running out' and that only a serious collective response will work. The reference to the July incident adds a tangible example of AI risks, grounding the abstract warning in a real event.