Here's how ransomware crims are abusing AI tools • The Register

It's no secret that AI tools make it easier for cybercriminals to steal sensitive data and then extort victim organizations. But two recent developments illustrate exactly how much LLMs lower the bar for ransomware and other financially motivated cybercrime — and provide a glimpse to defenders about what's on the horizon.

ESET malware researchers Anton Cherepanov and Peter Strýček recently sounded the alarm on what they called the "first known AI-powered ransomware," which they named PromptLock . While the malware doesn't appear to be fully functional — yet — "in theory, it could be used against organizations," Cherepanov told The Register . "But for now, it looks like proof-of-concept."

The researchers found both Windows and Linux variants uploaded to VirusTotal. "And we know that somet