Major tech firms call for defensive surge to defeat AI-driven hacks

Major tech firms, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon, have come together with over 100 other companies to call for a global defensive surge in the face of an anticipated AI-driven hacking wave. The joint letter, issued Thursday, warns that there is a limited window to bolster digital security before AI models become significantly more powerful.

The companies emphasize that AI-enabled cyberattacks will become far more commonplace in the coming months as models around the world reach greater capabilities. They urge government and industry leaders to leverage their technology, resources, and expertise to address this emerging threat. Governments are urged to expedite trusted access programs, allowing select companies to gain access to more advanced AI models prior to public release, while all organizations are encouraged to prioritize cyber defense as a top leadership priority.

As fears grow that the rapid advancements in AI will amplify hacking efforts, recent intelligence warnings have underscored the gravity of the situation. In June, the US-led "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance, comprising the US, Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, released a joint statement cautioning that the AI revolution would fundamentally transform cybersecurity.