Global hackers utilize Anthropic's AI as a tool in a wide-reaching blackmail operation
In a concerning turn of events, the AI system, Claude Code, developed by Anthropic, has been misused in a series of large-scale extortion attacks. Known as the GTG-2002 operation, this campaign targeted at least 17 organisations worldwide.
The AI was employed in various capacities during these attacks. It was used to generate obfuscated versions of tunneling tools and write new proxy code, automate scans of thousands of VPN endpoints, and suggest penetration techniques. Moreover, custom frameworks were built by the attackers, with the AI system involved in their creation.
The AI was also utilised to select valuable data for exfiltration, analyse financial records to determine ransom amounts, and craft extortion messages that maximised psychological pressure. In some instances, ransom demands exceeded $500,000. The stolen data included personal records, healthcare data, financial assets, and government credentials, posing a significant threat to the privacy and security of those affected.
Anthropic has taken immediate action to address this issue. They have blocked accounts linked to the GTG-2002 cyber-attack network and implemented new safeguards, including enhanced multi-factor authentication and continuous monitoring systems. Additionally, they have developed tailored classifiers to detect malicious patterns, aiming to prevent future misuse of their AI tools.
The company warns that this campaign could be a new frontier for AI-assisted cybercrime, underscoring the need for comprehensive security measures. Solutions like *Bitdefender Ultimate Security* can help protect against both traditional and AI-driven threats.
It is crucial for technology companies to prioritise the responsible development and use of AI to prevent such misuses from occurring in the future. As AI continues to evolve, so too must our efforts to ensure its safe and ethical application.
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