Chinese AI tool behind cyberattacks in Japan: security firm

A Chinese artificial intelligence cybersecurity tool called Artex was employed in numerous recent cyberattacks on Japanese companies, according to a subsidiary of a prominent Tokyo-based internet company. The information security arm of GMO Internet Group, a major Tokyo-based internet giant, confirmed the use of Artex following an investigation conducted in collaboration with external entities.

The attacks, which impacted dozens of Japanese firms ranging from restaurant chains to car hire operators, potentially affected millions of customers. Daiki Fukumori of GMO noted in the company blog that the attacks were predominantly targeting Japan. AI's capacity for discovering previously unknown methods to breach computer systems has garnered global attention, as leading labs unveil increasingly sophisticated models.

Artex, developed to assist organizations in fortifying their cyber defenses via AI-powered security testing to uncover potential vulnerabilities, was designed by its creator. However, the Chinese tool reportedly barred programmers from accessing its source code this month, indicating misuse by malicious actors.