OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is publicly signaling that advanced models are beginning to expose security risks faster than existing safeguards can keep up.
In a new post on X, Sam Altman announces that OpenAI is hiring a Head of Preparedness, describing the role as essential as AI systems rapidly gain new capabilities.
Altman says the position is a response to models crossing new thresholds that go beyond familiar performance gains. He points directly to security as one of the most pressing areas of concern, suggesting recent advances are already revealing weaknesses.
“Models are improving quickly and are now capable of many great things, but they are also starting to present some real challenges. The potential impact of models on mental health was something we saw a preview of in 2025; we are just now seeing models get so good at computer security that they are beginning to find critical vulnerabilities.”
Altman says OpenAI has existing systems to track how powerful models are becoming, but warns that raw capability metrics are no longer sufficient.
“We have a strong foundation of measuring growing capabilities, but we are entering a world where we need a more nuanced understanding and measurement of how those capabilities could be abused.”
The job description makes clear that cybersecurity is a central focus of the role, especially as AI tools could be used by both defenders and attackers.
“If you want to help the world figure out how to enable cybersecurity defenders with cutting-edge capabilities while ensuring attackers can’t use them for harm, ideally by making all systems more secure, please consider applying.”
Altman also broadened the scope beyond digital security, pointing to biological risks and the safety of increasingly autonomous systems.
“And similarly for how we release biological capabilities and even gain confidence in the safety of running systems that can self-improve.”
He closes by underscoring the urgency and intensity of the role, signaling how seriously OpenAI views the moment.
“This will be a stressful job, and you’ll jump into the deep end pretty much immediately.”
Taken together, the post suggests that AI systems are advancing into territory where they can surface real-world vulnerabilities faster than traditional controls were designed to handle, prompting OpenAI to formalize preparedness as a core function rather than a future consideration.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at CapitalAI Daily are not investment advice. Investors should do their own due diligence before making any decisions involving securities, cryptocurrencies, or digital assets. Your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. CapitalAI Daily does not recommend the buying or selling of any assets, nor is CapitalAI Daily an investment advisor. See our Editorial Standards and Terms of Use.