CyberRisk Collaborative Launches $1M AI Resilience Fund to Advance AI-Readiness for Cybersecurity Teams

Grants available to subsidize access to exclusive public- and private-sector corporate AI training, tools, and resources ‍

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New York, NY, August 31, 2026 — CyberRisk Collaborative, a membership organization for senior cybersecurity leaders to share expertise and collaborate on complex enterprise security challenges, today announced the creation of a $1M AI Resilience Fund to assist organizations in need of resources to combat the growth of AI-enabled threats.  

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The fund includes a limited number of complimentary memberships for academic and public-sector organizations and makes grants available to commercial-sector organizations to subsidize 50% of the first year of membership in the CyberRisk Collaborative.

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Artificial intelligence has dramatically accelerated the speed, scale, and sophistication of cyber threats while simultaneously equipping defenders with advanced real-time detection tools. The CyberRisk Collaborative recently published a step-by-step guide to building an Agentic AI risk management program as well as holding exclusive implementation sessions for members who are using the playbook to build their program. The Fund will help organizations access immediate cybersecurity resources, such as the Agentic AI guide, and tools that address top priorities such as hyper-realistic phishing, deepfakes and voice cloning, automated vulnerability exploitation, and evasive malware and ransomware.  

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CyberRisk Collaborative provides its members a wide range of strategic, technical, and leadership development benefits, including access to a private library of more than 250 CISO-developed policy documents and guidance frameworks, and the ability to convene a “CISO Rapid Response Team” of peers to advise on real-time business issues. The organization is led by an Executive Committee of leaders from respected organizations with exceptional security operations, including Microsoft, Kirkland & Ellis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Aflac, Lowes, Baker Tilley, Kraft Heinz, and others.

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The Fund complements existing programs designed to facilitate access to the Collaborative’s resources, including a partnership with the InfraGard National Members Alliance, a collaborative between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and members of the private sector for the protection of U.S. critical infrastructure.

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CyberRisk Collaborative Executive Vice President, Parham Eftekhari, commented, “We are proud to announce this fund and to be a supporting partner for organizations guarding our nation's critical systems and data.”

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The new fund is supported by CyberRisk Alliance, the leading provider of business intelligence that helps the cybersecurity ecosystem connect, share knowledge, and make smarter and faster decisions.

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“Helping cybersecurity leaders stay ahead of evolving threats is central to our mission. At the same time attack levels are increasing and becoming more sophisticated, resources to win against them are becoming scarcer than ever. Our fund helps augment other available resources to make the Collaborative’s important tools and services more accessible,” said John Whelan, President of CyberRisk Alliance.

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AI Resilience Fund grants are available through September 30, 2026, unless the fund depletes sooner. Technology and security leaders interested in learning more and applying on behalf of their organization should contact the CyberRisk Collaborative here. ‍

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About CyberRisk Collaborative

The CyberRisk Collaborative (CRC) advances the careers of current and future cybersecurity leaders with a community-first ethos that puts CISOs at the center of executive development. Providing access to resources that equip the membership with the necessary tools to effectively manage security risks, our senior cybersecurity professional members benefit from their access to a broad network of cybersecurity professionals, ongoing educational programs, and comprehensive peer-developed resources designed to improve security practices and leadership skills.
Learn more at www.cyberriskcollaborative.com.‍

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About CyberRisk Alliance

CyberRisk Alliance provides business intelligence that helps the cybersecurity ecosystem connect, share knowledge, accelerate careers, and make smarter and faster decisions. Through its trusted information brands, network of experts, and more than 250 annual events, CRA delivers actionable insights and serves as a powerful extension of cybersecurity marketing teams. Its brands include SC Media, the Official Cybersecurity Summits, Identiverse, InfoSec World, CyberRisk Collaborative, Security Weekly, ChannelPro, ChannelE2E, MSSP Alert, ExecWeb, LaunchTech Communications, and CyberRisk TV. Learn more at www.cyberriskalliance.com.