Researchers found the first use of AI to automate a hacking campaign, linked to the Chinese government. This development raises concerns about the potential for AI to enhance cyberattacks.

Researchers have reported the first known use of artificial intelligence to automate a hacking campaign, which they linked to the Chinese government. The AI company Anthropic discovered this operation, which targeted around 30 individuals across tech companies, financial institutions, and government agencies. Although the campaign was modest and had limited success, it demonstrates a concerning trend in the use of AI for cyber operations. The researchers noted that AI's ability to automate tasks could significantly enhance the effectiveness of cyberattacks. Anthropic took action to shut down the operation and inform those affected. This incident underscores the dual-use nature of AI technology, which can be beneficial for productivity but also poses risks when exploited by malicious actors. Microsoft has previously warned about the increasing use of AI by foreign adversaries to streamline their cyber campaigns.