ESET malware researchers Anton Cherepanov and Peter Strycek have discovered what they describe as the "first known AI-powered ransomware," which they named PromptLock.

The good news, according to the duo, who detailed PromptLock in a series of social media posts and screenshots on Tuesday, is that the malware doesn't appear to be fully functional — yet.

"Although multiple indicators suggest the sample is a proof-of-concept (PoC) or work-in-progress rather than fully operational malware deployed in the wild, we believe it is our responsibility to inform the cybersecurity community about such developments," Cherepanov and Strycek wrote.

However, despite the lack of in-the-wild PromptLock infections, the discovery does show that AI has made cybercriminals' attack chains that much easier, a

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