Scientists find way to supercharge dangerous computer ‘worms’ with AI
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed an AI-powered computer worm capable of exploiting vulnerabilities in various systems. This prototype can autonomously spread across networks, adapting its attack strategies for each machine it encounters. The findings raise concerns about the potential for AI to facilitate new forms of cyberattacks that are harder to defend against.
- ▪The AI worm can target any known flaw in computers and spread rapidly across networks.
- ▪It operates without human intervention, making it significantly more difficult to stop.
- ▪The technology behind the worm is open source, meaning it cannot be restricted in its use.
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For subscribersScientists find way to supercharge dangerous computer ‘worms’ with AISign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxNicolas Papernot (right), a professor at the University of Toronto, led a team that demonstrated a way of building a dangerous computer ‘worm’ using artificial intelligence.PHOTOS: BRENDAN GEORGE KO/NYTIMESCade MetzPublished Jun 03, 2026, 10:47 AMUpdated Jun 03, 2026, 10:47 AMSAN FRANCISCO – Researchers at the University of Toronto say they have found a way to use artificial intelligence to create a dangerous computer “worm” capable of targeting any known flaw in the world’s computers and quickly spreading mayhem throughout the internet.The computer scientists said in a paper published at night on June 2 that this programme could be built and that a…
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