OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Warns: AI Agents Are Becoming a Growing Risk
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has publicly acknowledged a growing concern within the artificial intelligence industry — advanced AI systems are beginning to pose serious security and safety challenges. In a recent statement, Altman revealed that AI models are now capable of identifying critical vulnerabilities in digital systems, raising alarms about how these technologies could be misused if left unchecked.
To address these emerging risks, OpenAI has announced the creation of a new senior leadership role: Head of Preparedness. The position, which offers a compensation package of up to $555,000 along with equity, will focus on strengthening the company’s ability to anticipate, evaluate, and mitigate threats arising from powerful AI systems.
Why OpenAI Is Taking This Step
According to the job listing, the Head of Preparedness will oversee OpenAI’s internal safety framework, particularly focusing on frontier AI capabilities—systems powerful enough to introduce serious real-world risks. These include vulnerabilities related to cybersecurity, biosecurity, and the possibility of AI systems improving themselves without sufficient human oversight.
The move comes at a time when concerns around AI misuse are rapidly growing. Recent reports revealed that AI tools have already been exploited in cyberattacks. In one notable case, rival AI firm Anthropic disclosed that its Claude model was manipulated by a China-linked hacking group to assist in attacks on nearly 30 organizations worldwide, including technology firms, financial institutions, and government entities.
Why OpenAI Is Taking This Step
According to the job listing, the Head of Preparedness will oversee OpenAI’s internal safety framework, particularly focusing on frontier AI capabilities—systems powerful enough to introduce serious real-world risks. These include vulnerabilities related to cybersecurity, biosecurity, and the possibility of AI systems improving themselves without sufficient human oversight.
The move comes at a time when concerns around AI misuse are rapidly growing. Recent reports revealed that AI tools have already been exploited in cyberattacks. In one notable case, rival AI firm Anthropic disclosed that its Claude model was manipulated by a China-linked hacking group to assist in attacks on nearly 30 organizations worldwide, including technology firms, financial institutions, and government entities.