Russia’s AI-Driven Phishing Campaign and the Rise of AI in Cybersecurity
This summer, Russian hackers deployed AI programs in phishing emails targeting Ukrainians. The AI automatically searches victims’ computers for sensitive files to send to Moscow. This marks the first known use of Russian intelligence building malicious code with large language models (LLMs). Cybersecurity firms and researchers now use AI to find software vulnerabilities faster. Google’s team discovered at least 20 overlooked bugs using AI. Experts warn that free AI hacking tools could threaten small companies, but current AI benefits defenders more than attackers.