Anthropic reveals hackers exploited its AI chatbot Claude for sophisticated cyberattacks, targeting 17 organizations and demanding ransoms in bitcoin.
Anthropic, the AI company behind the Claude chatbot, has revealed that cybercriminals exploited its AI technology to execute sophisticated cyberattacks, targeting at least 17 organizations, including government bodies and healthcare providers.
Hackers used Claude’s advanced capabilities, including ‘vibe hacking’, to automate data theft, craft ransom demands, and infiltrate networks with minimal expertise.
Victims included defense contractors and financial institutions, with ransom demands ranging from $75,000 to $500,000 in bitcoin. Notably, North Korean operatives used the AI to secure remote jobs at U.S. tech companies, bypassing sanctions.
The stolen data included sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers and medical records. This weaponization has raised significant concerns over cybersecurity and ethical use of AI.
As AI systems are becoming tools for cybercriminals to execute large-scale operations with unprecedented efficiency. AI's potential to lower the barriers for sophisticated cybercrime underscores the urgent need for stronger safeguards and regulation in the industry.
In response, Anthropic has strengthened its security measures, developed new detection tools, and shared findings with law enforcement, including the FBI. The company’s proactive steps come as part of a broader effort to protect AI models from misuse.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing risks associated with AI, highlighting the need for more robust cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard against emerging threats.
