NCC Group selected to join the OpenAI Daybreak Cyber Partner Program

June 2026 - NCC Group has been selected to join the OpenAI Daybreak Cyber Partner Program. This invite-only group will gain access to OpenAI's frontier cyber capabilities, to advance the safe application of AI in cyber resilience.

Researching the capabilities of this frontier AI model can benefit the global software ecosystem and give NCC Group experts deeper insight into the latest AI technologies, with potential future benefits to NCC Group clients.

NCC Group, recognised for its deep technical cyber expertise, long track record in leading research and as a trusted AI advisory partner to leading global companies and governments, is part of a select, global cohort of organisations granted access to the OpenAI Daybreak Cyber Partner Program.

Through this program, NCC Group will gain access to a version of OpenAI's GPT-5.5 which has been configured to explore cyber resilience use cases. NCC Group's technical teams will assess the model's capabilities and provide feedback to OpenAI, with an initial focus on internal research using security testing data.

Importantly, this work will be research-led and conducted within controlled environments, prioritising responsible innovation and ensuring appropriate governance and safeguards.

Mike Maddison, CEO of NCC Group commented: "Through our participation in the OpenAI Daybreak Cyber Partner Program, NCC Group is researching ways to apply GPT-5.5 capabilities to our services to help experienced defenders discover vulnerabilities, strengthen security workflows, and improve resilience for clients. We'll bring our deep expertise and experience to help shape how these technologies are safely deployed, while helping to strengthen the resilience of the global software ecosystem and working to create a more secure digital future for everyone."

Advancing cyber resilience through research and collaboration

NCC Group was selected for its longstanding authority in security research and its ability to research the capabilities of frontier AI technologies. NCC Group dedicates more than 1,000 days annually to research, contributing tools, insights and advisories that support the wider cyber security community in its fight against cyber threat.

Participation in Daybreak will build on this foundation, enabling NCC Group to explore how advanced AI can enhance defensive security workflows, while contributing to broader industry understanding of emerging risks and opportunities.

Combining human expertise with advanced AI capabilities enables organisations to adapt to an increasingly sophisticated threat landscape responsibly, discovering vulnerabilities, strengthening security workflows, and improving resilience.

Responsible innovation at the frontier of AI

The initiative reflects a shared recognition that innovation must be accompanied by strong governance. By working collaboratively with OpenAI and other global participants, NCC Group will contribute to defining best practices for the responsible use of frontier AI technologies.

This collaboration supports NCC Group's broader purpose, to work together and create a more secure digital future, ensuring that advances in AI strengthen, rather than undermine, global cyber resilience.

About NCC Group plc

NCC Group is a people-powered, tech-enabled global cyber security and resilience business. Driven by a collective purpose to create a more secure digital future, c. 1,800 Cyber colleagues across Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific harness their collective insight, intelligence, and innovation to deliver cyber resilience solutions for both public and private sector clients globally. With decades of experience and a rich heritage, NCC Group is committed to developing sustainable solutions that continue to meet client's current and future cyber security challenges.