Axios: AI gets better at hacking vital systems

AI gets better at hacking vital systems
 
Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

It’s only a matter of time before freely available AI models will make it easier to hack critical services like power grids and water systems, Axios’ Sam Sabin reports from new research.

Steve Swick, former top security executive at American Electric Power, told reporters during a briefing: “It’s a clock that is moving faster than we’ve ever seen.”

💧 Researchers at cybersecurity firm Frenos tested 10 AI models’ ability to plan attacks against industrial systems, such as software that monitors water treatment processes.

The models were fed information about potential hacking targets, and were asked to piece together the steps needed to achieve specific objectives.

Three out of the 10 models successfully constructed attack plans in about 90% of attempts.

Frenos did not disclose the names of the AI models tested.

👾 Frenos co-founder and CTO Harry Thomas says that once attackers gain access to an industrial network, AI could help them quietly map out systems and identify weaknesses without the same time constraints facing human hackers.

“AI doesn’t have the problem with patience. It doesn’t need to eat. It doesn’t need to sleep, and it doesn’t need to use the restroom.”

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About michelleclarke2015

Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
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