Samsung wins DARPA's AI Cyber Challenge, takes home $4 million

Samsung Electronics proved its deep understanding of AI-powered security technologies at the AI Cyber Challenge last week and took home $4 million. The company participated in the event as Team Atlanta and claimed first place after working on it for two years.

The AI Cyber Challenge, hosted by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), began two years ago and saw 42 teams compete in last year's semifinals. After joining the competition in 2023, seven teams, including Samsung's Team Atlanta, advanced to the finals this year.

Team Atlanta consisted of Samsung Research, the Device eXperience (DX) Division's advanced research institute, and security experts from Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH).

The competition focused on analyzing source code vulnerabilities and applying security patches without human intervention, using just AI-powered security technologies.

Samsung's Team Atlanta's performance stood out, particularly last year when it became the only team to find a vulnerability that wasn't planned.

By identifying the unplanned vulnerability during the semifinals last year, Team Atlanta ensured its participation to this year's finals.

The last battle took place during DEF CON 33 in Las Vegas on August 8. Team Atlanta outperformed its competitors and climbed the ranks to earn the top spot and receive a $4 million prize. Rivals Trail of Bits and Theori came in 2nd and 3rd places, respectively.

Samsung said that it will “continue to expand collaboration with global security experts to further advance Samsung Electronics' security technology proficiency.” These AI-based security breakthroughs could help protect millions of Samsung Galaxy devices in the future.