Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 3 hrs ago
China-linked AI agent suspected in cyberattacks on Japanese firms
A Japanese security firm says the AI agent Artex was used in attacks on Japanese companies.
The firm, part of GMO Internet Group, found six attacking devices that targeted Japanese businesses.
The targets included companies in retail, logistics and finance, and eight companies disclosed data leaks or possible leaks in September and October.
Artex is described as a China-linked AI tool that can find weaknesses in computer systems.
A separate investigation has also linked it to attacks on South Korean financial institutions, but that does not establish who directed the attacks.
Japan's cybersecurity minister says the government is checking for malicious use of AI and will continue efforts to prevent cyberattacks.
A Japanese security firm says its investigation found that the China-linked AI agent Artex was used in cyberattacks targeting Japanese companies.
The firm’s probe identified six attacking devices that targeted only Japanese firms.
Eight companies in retail, logistics and financial sectors disclosed data leaks in September and October.
Japan’s cybersecurity minister said the government is assessing whether AI was used maliciously.
A separate investigation has indicated Artex was involved in cyberattacks against South Korean financial institutions.
- Who
- GMO Internet Group’s information security subsidiary identified the agent. The agent is called Artex.
- What
- The firm said Artex was used in cyberattacks targeting Japanese companies.
- When
- The attacks were reported in recent weeks, with eight companies disclosing leaks in September and October.
- Where
- Japanese firms were targeted. A separate investigation indicated attacks on South Korean financial institutions.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A separate security firm’s probe indicated Artex involvement in unauthorized accesses to South Korean financial institutions.
Eight Japanese companies disclosed that data had been leaked.
GMO Internet Group’s information security subsidiary said on its blog that it had identified six attacking devices targeting Japanese firms.
Cybersecurity minister Toshiharu Furukawa said the government was analyzing possible malicious use of AI.
- AI agent
- Artex
- Attacking devices
- Six units targeting Japanese firms
- Company disclosures
- Eight in September and October
- Target sectors
- Retail, logistics and financial services
- Japanese cybersecurity minister
- Toshiharu Furukawa
3 sources
What people are saying
The government is analyzing whether there was malicious use of AI after hearing from companies that sustained damage,