MIT AI Risk Repository · Risk Sub-Category · 62.32.02
Amplification of cyberattacks
Category: Impacts of AI (Cyberattacks)
Description
"General-purpose AI models may significantly enhance the magnitude and ef- fectiveness of cyberattacks, by amplifying existing capabilities or resources of malicious actors [3]. For example, GPAI models may be employed to: • Automatically scan open-source codebases and compiled binaries for po- tential vulnerabilities • Apply known exploits flexibly and at scale (e.g., identifying vulnerable computers based on subtle cues in response times or output formats) • Assist with different aspects of cyberattacks, including planning, recon- naissance, exploit searching, remote control, malware impleme
From Risk Sources and Risk Management Measures in Support of Standards for General-Purpose AI Systems (Gipiškis2024), as extracted by the MIT AI Risk Repository (CC BY 4.0).
Classification
- Domain
- 4. Malicious actors
- Causal entity
- Human
- Intent
- Intentional
- Timing
- Post-deployment
Subdomain definition: Using AI systems to develop cyber weapons (e.g., coding cheaper, more effective malware), develop new or enhance existing weapons (e.g., Lethal Autonomous Weapons or CBRNE), or use weapons to cause mass harm.
Real-world incidents in this subdomain
- Anthropic's Claude Was Reportedly Jailbroken To Allegedly Help Steal Sensitive Mexican Government Data
- OpenAI ChatGPT Models Reportedly Jailbroken to Provide Chemical, Biological, and Nuclear Weapons Instructions
- Anthropic Reportedly Identifies AI Misuse in Extortion Campaigns, North Korean IT Schemes, and Ransomware Sales
- LAMEHUG Malware Reportedly Integrates Large Language Model for Real-Time Command Generation in a Purported APT28-Linked Cyberattack
- Reported AI-Aided Development of Explosive Devices by Long Island Resident Michael Gann
- AI Chatbot Allegedly Used to Research Explosive Materials in Palm Springs Fertility Clinic Bombing