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

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSecurity 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 fullAI-powered computer worms herald ‘new era’ of cybersecurity threatsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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