According to the New York Times, AI researchers have discovered an attack involving AI models that built a computer worm capable of rapidly hacking WeChat accounts. The researchers found that this attack could have compromised hundreds of millions of devices within hours, experts said.
The discovery highlights growing concerns about AI systems being used to create sophisticated cyber threats at unprecedented scale and speed. WeChat, owned by Chinese tech giant Tencent, is one of the world’s most popular messaging and social media platforms, with hundreds of millions of users globally.
The report from the New York Times did not specify which AI models were used to create the worm or provide additional details about the specific vulnerability exploited in WeChat. The discovery underscores the dual-use nature of AI technology, where the same systems designed for beneficial purposes can potentially be leveraged for malicious cybersecurity attacks affecting massive user bases.