Dropzone unveils AI ‘security mentor’ browser extension that supports cybersecurity analysts

Seattle-based cybersecurity startup Dropzone AI just launched a new free tool that aims to give security analysts an AI co-worker in their browser.

The tool, called “Coach,” analyzes alerts from applications such as CrowdStrike and offers real-time summaries, hypotheses about potential threats, recommended next steps, and learning resources.

It’s built on the same technology behind Dropzone’s AI security agents that help companies triage alerts autonomously. The tool is a browser extension currently available for Chrome.

The idea is to help cybersecurity workers reduce the cognitive burden of constant triage and decision-making in a sector known for burnout and being understaffed.

The company also aims to address a broader concern that relying on generative AI tools — such as those from Dropzone — could shrink the pipeline of future cybersecurity leaders by replacing entry-level roles.

Dropzone launched Coach in part to counter that narrative, giving aspiring analysts a way to learn and grow alongside AI.

“A junior or Tier 1 security analyst is part of the right of passage for most future security leaders,” said Dropzone CEO Edward Wu.

Anne Gotay, vice president of growth, said Dropzone isn’t trying to replace human workers.

“We never see ourselves as replacing the practitioner, but really augmenting their work and letting them focus on what matters,” she said.

Wu said he sees AI’s impact on cybersecurity more broadly as a rare “win-win” scenario.

“There’s so much additional capacity that cybersecurity teams need,” he said.

Wu previously spent eight years at Seattle-based security company ExtraHop before launching Dropzone in 2023.

Dropzone has raised more than $21 million from investors including Theory Ventures, Decibel Ventures, Seattle-based Pioneer Square Ventures, and In-Q-Tel. The company has 23 employees and more than 100 customers.