How computer worms and AI chatbots pose a ‘new era’ of hacking threats

• Security experts have warned that computer worms, a type of self-replicating malware, can now operate in conjunction with free AI chatbots like ChatGPT, creating a "new class of cyberthreat".
• Unlike traditional viruses, these AI-powered worms do not require human interaction to spread and can adapt their strategy as they move across computer networks, exploiting vulnerabilities.
• Researchers at the University of Toronto simulated these capabilities in a secure digital lab, demonstrating that such self-sustaining AI-driven cyber-threats are no longer theoretical.
• The worms can parasitically use compromised machines to run open-access large language models, gather information, tailor attacks, and extend their reach to further targets across various devices.
• Experts emphasise the urgency for researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to take action, warning that every internet-connected device is a potential target and urging users to apply software updates promptly.

IN FULL

AI-powered computer worms herald ‘new era’ of cybersecurity threats