Offensive security startup CodeWall launches with $4M for AI agents that attack enterprises

London-based offensive security startup CodeWall Ltd. recently raised $4 million in funding to provide enterprises, such as banks, with autonomous artificial intelligence agents that mimic the actions of outside hackers. These agents, each designed for a specific task, begin an engagement without any credentials or prior knowledge of the target system.

Multiple agents work concurrently, and any discovered vulnerabilities are recorded on a unified investigation graph, enabling one agent to leverage a weakness in a particular application for access to linked systems and data.

Customers can monitor the progression of each attack path, complete with accompanying evidence, as agents revisit the system whenever new components are added or vulnerabilities are patched. Founder and CEO Paul Price describes this continuous testing as a fundamental aspect of CodeWall's offering, aiming to replace the conventional penetration tests typically conducted by enterprises once or twice a year.

Previously, CodeWall's agents successfully infiltrated the corporate databases of management consulting giants McKinsey & Co., Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Co. within a short timeframe, leading to prompt remediation of the identified vulnerabilities.

The startup argues that organizations must adapt to the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, where automation is now a crucial component, much like defensive measures. Cloud security company Sysdig recently exposed a ransomware campaign orchestrated by an autonomous AI agent, further emphasizing the need for proactive defense mechanisms.

CodeWall's funding round was led by Osney Capital, with participation from InReach Ventures, Antler Global Ltd., and angel investors. The company plans to allocate a significant portion of the funding to expand the agents' reach across an enterprise's environment, along with developing workflows for verifying and remedying the findings.

Furthermore, CodeWall is actively recruiting in London to bolster its technical and commercial teams.