# Anthropic Launches Cyber Mission for Critical Infrastructure Defenders > Source: > Published: 2026-10-09 16:06:39+00:00 # Anthropic Launches Cyber Mission for Critical Infrastructure Defenders - Anthropic launched the Critical Infrastructure Defense Program as part of its broader Anthropic Cyber Mission. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) - The program brings frontier Claude models, on-site engineers and threat research to trusted providers that secure operational technology. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) - Its 11 founding partners include Accenture, Booz Allen, CrowdStrike, Deloitte, Dragos, Hitachi, Nozomi Networks, Palo Alto Networks, PwC and Rockwell Automation. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) - Anthropic said several partners are already using Claude to identify and fix vulnerabilities for infrastructure customers. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) - The launch follows Anthropic’s October 6 expansion of model access for vetted cybersecurity professionals. [\[4\]](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/anthropic-opens-its-most-powerful-ai-models-to-more-security-teams-4935104) ([investing.com](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/anthropic-opens-its-most-powerful-ai-models-to-more-security-teams-4935104?utm_source=openai)) Anthropic on Thursday launched a cybersecurity program that will provide frontier Claude models, engineers and threat research to companies responsible for securing power grids, water systems, factories and transportation networks. The initiative, called the Critical Infrastructure Defense Program, is part of a broader effort named the Anthropic Cyber Mission. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) The program is aimed at operational technology — the controllers, industrial networks and control software that operate physical infrastructure and often cannot be taken offline for routine patching. Anthropic said it will initially work with a small cohort of trusted providers before expanding to additional partners and sectors. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) The launch comes as AI developers broaden access to advanced models for defensive cybersecurity work. Anthropic’s previous Project Glasswing effort and its expanded Cyber Verification Program are intended to help vetted security teams find, assess and repair vulnerabilities. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission)[\[4\]](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/anthropic-opens-its-most-powerful-ai-models-to-more-security-teams-4935104) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) ## The Program The Critical Infrastructure Defense Program brings Anthropic’s frontier Claude models, on-site engineering support and threat research to companies that already help operators secure industrial and operational systems. The 11 founding partners are Accenture, Booz Allen, CrowdStrike, Deloitte, Dragos, Hitachi, Insane Cyber, Nozomi Networks, Palo Alto Networks, PwC and Rockwell Automation. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) Anthropic said the partners span consulting and advanced-technology firms, cybersecurity companies and industrial-equipment manufacturers. Several participants are already working with Claude to fix vulnerabilities and assist their customers with the same work, according to the company. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) Axios reported that Anthropic is providing the models and engineering support to companies already responsible for protecting critical infrastructure, rather than announcing direct operational control of utilities or other facilities. [\[2\]](https://www.axios.com/2026/10/08/anthropic-critical-infrastructure-cybersecurity) ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/2026/10/08/anthropic-critical-infrastructure-cybersecurity?utm_source=openai)) ## Why Operational Technology Is Different Anthropic said operational-technology environments present constraints that differ from conventional information technology. Equipment is often proprietary, changes can carry physical consequences and systems may not be able to shut down for patching, leaving known vulnerabilities unresolved for extended periods. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) The company said infrastructure operators generally depend on trusted providers to identify exposures, prioritize fixes and make changes while systems remain in service. The new program is structured around those providers rather than unrestricted access for every operator. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) The Information reported that the Cyber Mission follows Anthropic’s expansion of access to its strongest models for vetted cyber defenders, including work that would ordinarily face more restrictive safeguards. [\[3\]](https://www.theinformation.com/briefings/anthropic-announces-broader-cyber-defense-program) ([theinformation.com](https://www.theinformation.com/briefings/anthropic-announces-broader-cyber-defense-program)) ## A Broader Cybersecurity Push The infrastructure program is one part of Anthropic’s Cyber Mission. The company also launched OSS Scanner, an opt-in service that will provide enrolled open-source projects with periodic vulnerability scans and suggested fixes from Anthropic’s strongest models, free of charge. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) Anthropic said it will provide tools, research and funding to organizations securing critical infrastructure and open-source software. It also said the Cyber Mission grew out of lessons from Project Glasswing, which it folded into its expanded Cyber Verification Program earlier in the week. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) Reuters reported on October 6 that Project Glasswing partners had identified at least 129,000 verified vulnerabilities between April and July, including more than 33,000 rated critical or high severity. Anthropic said the figures were based on a limited set of partner reports and likely understated the broader total. [\[4\]](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/anthropic-opens-its-most-powerful-ai-models-to-more-security-teams-4935104) ([investing.com](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/anthropic-opens-its-most-powerful-ai-models-to-more-security-teams-4935104?utm_source=openai)) ## What Comes Next Anthropic said it plans to bring the Critical Infrastructure Defense Program to more partners and sectors in the coming months. Companies that build security products or services for critical infrastructure can register interest as the program expands. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) The company said the work will include sharing lessons about which strategies are effective and practical in operational environments, including what does not work. Infrastructure operators and open-source maintainers can also apply for access to the broader Cyber Verification Program. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks and Rockwell Automation are among the publicly traded companies listed as founding partners. [\[1\]](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) ([anthropic.com](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission?utm_source=openai)) ## Companies mentioned ## Further sources [\[1\] Anthropic, “Introducing the Anthropic Cyber Mission,” October 8, 2026. ↗](https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-cyber-mission) [\[2\] Axios, “Exclusive: Anthropic’s new plan to protect critical infrastructure,” Oc… ↗](https://www.axios.com/2026/10/08/anthropic-critical-infrastructure-cybersecurity) [\[3\] The Information, “Anthropic Announces Broader Cyber Defense Program,” October 8… ↗](https://www.theinformation.com/briefings/anthropic-announces-broader-cyber-defense-program) [\[4\] Reuters, “Anthropic opens its most powerful AI models to more security teams,” … ↗](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/anthropic-opens-its-most-powerful-ai-models-to-more-security-teams-4935104) The stories that matter, in one email. Free — unsubscribe anytime.