Army to Name Two Firms Friday for AI Agents That Act on Network Intrusions
Project Griffin would let software respond to intrusions the Army can now only detect. Officials said the agents will not start work on Army networks right away.
Project Griffin would let software respond to intrusions the Army can now only detect. Officials said the agents will not start work on Army networks right away.
The U.S. Army plans to award contracts to two companies on Friday for AI agents that respond to intrusions on its networks, Brandon Pugh, the service's principal cyber advisor, said Monday at the AUSA conference in Washington. He declined to name the winners.
"The one that we plan to award on Friday is our take action element," Pugh told the conference. He described the aim as "an autonomous response within prescribed parameters of a human operator."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project Griffin?
An Army effort to field AI agents that respond to malicious activity on its networks, not only detect it. Brandon Pugh, the Army's principal cyber advisor, called the Friday award the "take action element."
Who won the contracts?
The Army has not said. Pugh declined to name the two companies ahead of the announcement planned for Friday, Oct. 16.
How many companies competed?
The one-week solicitation drew 108 submissions, Pugh said. The Army narrowed those to 10 finalists and then two awardees.
Will the agents act on live Army networks right away?
No. Officials said agents will not begin work on government networks immediately. Lt. Gen. Christopher Eubank said the aim is to start on the Army's portion of the Department of Defense Information Network and expand as the service learns to use the capability.
What comes after Griffin?
Pugh described two more efforts: agentic deception, which diverts attackers to less important parts of the network, and automated purple teaming to test the Army's defenses. He gave no solicitation dates.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.