FBI Warns of Rising Cyber Threats from AI Tools
The FBI alerts about the increasing use of AI tools by cybercriminals to launch attacks on various sectors, raising serious security concerns.
Washington, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : The FBI has issued a warning regarding the growing threat posed by cybercriminals utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to instigate fear globally. The agency raised concerns about the speed at which these attacks can be executed, sometimes in just a few hours.
On Friday, the Bureau reported that attackers have been employing an open-source framework called ‘ARTEX’ since August to target organizations across various sectors, including finance, government, technology, defense, energy, and healthcare.
According to the FBI, this tool automates multiple stages of intrusion, from identifying potential targets to preparing for or executing data theft. As a result, defenders have very little time to detect and respond to these attacks. In some instances, the process of establishing initial targets to gaining privileged access to systems has been completed in under three hours.
Originally designed for authorized security testing, the FBI noted that reports of misuse led the developer to remove the original online repository in October. However, other versions and copies remain accessible.
The Bureau emphasized that this tool reduces technical barriers to executing complex operations, allowing attackers to target multiple organizations simultaneously. Areas of concern highlighted in the alert include internet-connected applications, cloud infrastructure, and systems linked to suppliers or partners.
The FBI cited attacks on financial institutions in South Korea aimed at economic gain, which resulted in the theft of personal information from approximately 67,000 individuals. Additionally, a supply chain compromise was mentioned, affecting users of a cloud backup service and granting attackers access to over 2,250 customer systems.
Organizations are urged to review their online presence, strengthen identity and access controls, monitor for unusual activities, and secure their credentials. Those observing suspicious activities are encouraged to contact the FBI or report incidents through the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
