AI fuels 440% surge in hackers using blockchains to aid attacks
2026-09-17
Moneyweb
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The release of powerful, unrestricted Chinese open-source AI models has enabled hackers, including state-linked groups from North Korea and Iran, to generate and embed malicious code in blockchain transactions. This has led to a 440% increase in blockchain-hosted malware commands, significantly escalating cyberattacks and digital theft globally.[AI generated]
Why's our monitor labelling this an incident or hazard?
The article explicitly states that open-source AI models are used by hackers to generate malicious code embedded in blockchain transactions, leading to a 440% increase in such attacks. The AI systems' use directly contributes to cybercrime harms, including theft and disruption, fulfilling the criteria for an AI Incident. The involvement is through the use of AI systems to facilitate and scale attacks, causing direct harm. The harm is materialized, not just potential, and involves violations of property and community harm via cybercrime.[AI generated]