China-linked AI agent Artex used in Japan cyberattacks, GMO security probe finds
GMO Internet Group's security arm found traces of the autonomous AI penetration tool Artex on attack servers targeting Japanese firms, and cybersecurity minister Toshiharu Furukawa says the government is analysing whether AI was maliciously used.
TOKYO – A China-linked artificial intelligence agent called Artex was used in cyberattacks targeting companies in Japan, the information-security subsidiary of Japanese IT firm GMO Internet Group has said, following a wave of personal-data leaks across retail, logistics and financial firms.
The GMO affiliate said on its blog on Oct 19 that it had discovered six units of attacking devices exclusively targeting Japanese firms. Its probe indicated the autonomous AI agent Artex – described as a China-linked AI penetration tool with a high capability of diagnosing system vulnerabilities – was employed in the attacks. Eight of the targeted companies disclosed in September and October that data had been leaked.
A probe by another security firm separately indicated Artex’s involvement in a series of unauthorised accesses to South Korean financial institutions since late September.
Cybersecurity minister Toshiharu Furukawa said at a press conference on Oct 20: “The government is analysing whether there was malicious use of AI after hearing from companies that sustained damage,” vowing to continue efforts to prevent cyberattacks.
(Reporting: The Straits Times, Tokyo dateline / Kyodo News.)
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