South Korea’s bank hacks offer a warning about AI-powered cyberattacks

Some of South Korea’s biggest banks have been hacked with the assistance of an artificial intelligent agent, opening up a new front in the AI and cybersecurity worlds. Officials say at least seven financial firms were included in the attack, which saw personal information for 68,000 people stolen, including annual income and loan limits. This marks one of the first times AI tools have been used to disrupt global financial stalwarts. It’s notable, since banks and other financial institutions typically have a higher level of security than other businesses or even some government agencies. Officials say they haven’t identified the people responsible for the attacks, which originated from over two dozen IP addresses spread out over several countries, including the U.S. and Japan. (Hackers frequently spoof their IP address to remain anonymous.) South Korean officials are urging banks to boost their defenses. And the intrusions could serve as a warning shot for banks in the United States and other countries as well. “AI gives attackers more opportunities to exploit gaps before defenders respond,” Yagub Rahimov, CEO of Polygraf AI, told Fast Company. “My advice to bank leadership is to t…