No surprise that AI-powered Cyberattacks are here!

Computerworld.com reported that “Prognosticators have been prognosticating for 20 years about a future in which hackers use AI to breach networks, steal data, and socially engineer credulous employees. And like so many AI-related futurisms in the age of LLM-based generative AI, this prediction is coming true.”  The September 1, 2025 article entitled “The AI-powered cyberattack era is here” (https://www.computerworld.com/article/4048415/the-ai-powered-cyberattack-era-is-here.html) included these comments:

Anthropic reported last week that a hacker used its technology for an AI-fueled crime spree involving large-scale ransomware attacks. The attacker used the Claude chatbot for recon, code generation, credential theft, infiltration, and ransom notes against 17 organizations, including healthcare providers, government agencies, religious charities, and a defense contractor.

The AI even helpfully proposed ransom amounts, ranging from $75,000 to $500,000 in Bitcoin. This marks the first known case where AI choreographed an entire extortion scheme, automating nearly every step.

AI is not only guiding and helping with cyberattacks, but even writing the code. Anthropic and the security firm ESET found that criminals are using generative AI to build and update actual ransomware code itself.

Anthropic identified a UK threat actor, GTG-5004, who developed, sold, and maintained AI-enhanced ransomware kits. Lacking technical skill with encryption or anti-analysis tools, they relied on Anthropic’s Claude chatbot for coding and software packaging. Ransomware services ranged from $400 to $1,200 for different bundles, allowing low-skilled crooks to unleash advanced malware.

These programs actually morph to dodge antivirus scans and slip past new security rules before defenders react.

Are you surprised?