ABOUT 1,000 servers suspected of being used as launchpads for advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cyberattacks have been operating since October, raising concerns over the growing use of AI in global cybercrime.
A Japanese-led international investigation found that the servers may have been using AI tools to identify system vulnerabilities and target websites worldwide.
Kyodo News cited that the investigation was conducted by the Japan Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (JPCERT/CC) in collaboration with overseas cybersecurity companies.
The centre, which began its probe in early October, identified AI tools installed on the servers and is currently tracking between 600 and 700 of them.
Most of the servers were found hosting AI-powered platforms, including Artex, a penetration-testing tool designed to assess system security.
Investigators believe the platforms were being used to search for vulnerabilities and attempt to steal system configuration files.
One server also contained traces of a programming support tool developed by US-based artificial intelligence company Anthropic, suggesting that attackers may have leveraged AI to enhance their hacking capabilities.
Some publicly accessible servers were also found hosting tools capable of analysing the internal structure of smartphone applications and software, alongside programmes designed to test system vulnerabilities.
Attackers are believed to have examined applications and attempted unauthorised access through interfaces used to exchange information with external systems.
The findings highlight how advanced AI is lowering the technical barriers to cybercrime, with hacking activities that previously required specialised knowledge and considerable time becoming increasingly accessible.
JPCERT/CC analyst Ken Sajo warned that the threat could escalate as criminals become more adept at exploiting AI capabilities.
“As AI is still in the early stages of being used for cyberattacks, more sophisticated attacks will increase in the future,” he said. - November 15, 2026
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