OpenAI says Astra is its first Critical-tier cyber model and will limit advanced hacking features

OpenAI said on September 1, 2026 that its forthcoming Astra model is the first it has designated as meeting the Critical cybersecurity capability threshold under its Preparedness Framework, and that it will ship extra safeguards and restrict the most advanced cyber features at launch. OpenAI now states that, with the right tools and access, Astra can find previously unknown security flaws and develop ways to exploit them across many well-protected systems without a person guiding each step.