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Generative AI Accelerates Malware Development For Cross-Platform Attacks

by | Sep 29, 2024 | Cybersecurity

Key Takeaways

BLUF
Hackers are increasingly turning to generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology to craft sophisticated malware and phishing attacks targeting individuals and organizations alike. A recent discovery of a malware campaign by HP Wolf Security involved the AsyncRAT malware delivered through AI-generated code. The attackers used HTML smuggling techniques to deliver password-protected ZIP archives, which, once cracked, unleashed scripts establishing persistence on infected machines. The organized structure and explanatory comments in the code resembled outputs of generative AI. Researchers noted that generative AI allows even less-skilled hackers to develop advanced malware quickly. The malware campaign also demonstrated how attackers used generative AI not only for writing code but also for speeding up their workflow in developing threats targeting different platforms. Additionally, archives were reported as the most common delivery method in the first half of 2024.

Key Takeaways

  1. AI-written malware: Hackers are deploying malware, likely written by generative AI, to bypass security defenses.
  2. AsyncRAT malware: This open-source malware is being delivered via phishing campaigns, enabling remote access and data theft.
  3. AI comments in code: The structured code with comments explaining each step hints at AI involvement, a method rarely used by human developers in malicious code.
  4. Lower-skill attackers empowered: Generative AI enables less technically adept cybercriminals to write functional malware more efficiently.
  5. HTML smuggling used: Attackers employed HTML smuggling techniques to distribute password-protected ZIP archives containing malware.
  6. Persistence mechanisms: The VBScript used in the attack created scheduled tasks and modified the Windows Registry to ensure malware persistence.
  7. Archives as delivery method: ZIP files and similar archives were the most common malware delivery vector in 2024.
  8. Cross-platform threat potential: Generative AI is helping cybercriminals quickly adapt malware to target different operating systems (Linux, macOS).
  9. Speeding up malware creation: Even if AI isn’t used to generate complete malware, it is being leveraged to expedite the development process for more advanced attacks.
  10. Cybersecurity challenges: AI’s misuse in cybercrime emphasizes the need for robust, adaptive defenses.

Sources

Generative AI Accelerates Malware Development For Cross-Platform Attacks

by | Sep 29, 2024 | Cybersecurity

[ i2 ] REPOSITORY

 

New Chinese Kamikaze Drone Surpasses U.S. Rivals With Longer Range Speed

by | Sep 29, 2024 |

China unveiled the PD-2900, a large twin-engine kamikaze drone with Russian camouflage capable of reaching Taiwan. It features advanced technology, a 2,500-km range, and a 100-kg payload capacity. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which resembles drones used in the Russia-Ukraine war, offers a more affordable alternative to cruise missiles. Developed by Xian Modern Control Technology Institute under Norinco, a Chinese company, the drone is faster, has a longer range, and can hover over targets, surpassing its U.S. counterpart, the Switchblade 600. This development could impact the balance of drone warfare in the region surrounding Taiwan.

North Korea Fires Missiles After Flying Balloons Toward South Korea

by | Sep 20, 2024 |

North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles following Kim Jong Un’s pledge to enhance the country’s nuclear readiness. The missiles, which traveled 360 kilometers, landed between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, marking the first such test in over two months. The launch drew condemnation from South Korea, Japan, and the U.S., who reaffirmed their security commitments. This escalation has sparked speculation of a potential nuclear or long-range missile test, though recent satellite images show no activity at North Korea’s nuclear test site. The launch follows increased tensions, including North Korea sending balloons filled with rubbish toward South Korea.

Taiwan’s Arms Backlog Partly Caused by the Middle East

by | May 12, 2023 |

U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher raises concerns regarding the pace of arms deliveries to Taiwan and proposes redirecting resources from arms transfers to large Middle Eastern buyers to expedite Taiwan’s defense preparedness, along with increased investment in Taiwan’s indigenous defense industry.

Shortage of Engineers Threatens Taiwan’s Dominance in Semiconductor Manufacturing

by | May 11, 2023 |

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) faces a talent crisis as Taiwan’s shrinking population, demanding work culture, and competing tech jobs pose challenges in sustaining the demand for skilled engineers. TSMC’s dominance in microchips has geopolitical significance for Taiwan, but it must compete with other industries and global firms for talent.

Indonesia’s dilemma over China’s Global Security Initiative

by | May 4, 2023 |

Indonesia should use its time as ASEAN chair in 2023 to invigorate the more inclusive dialogue-based regional security architecture that better suits regional principles and values. This includes the ‘ASEAN for ASEAN’ vision, the ASEAN Outlook in Indo-Pacific, and forums including the East Asia Summit, which can accommodate the interests of all members. Adding another concept, such as China’s Global Security Initiative, should not be a priority.

France and Japan sign nuclear cooperation agreement to deepen ties in next-generation nuclear research

by | May 4, 2023 |

France and Japan signed a joint declaration to deepen ties in the research and development of next-generation nuclear such as sodium-cooled fast reactors. The declaration also pledges to continue work on the safe life extension of existing reactors, decommissioning of nuclear plants, developing civil nuclear capacity in interested countries, and promoting the recycling of used nuclear fuel to minimize the need for uranium.

How the Chinese Communist Party is using WeChat to shape public policy in the U.S.

by | May 4, 2023 |

The Chinese Communist Party is using WeChat to shape public policy outcomes in the United States. Efforts by the CCP to mobilize Chinese speakers to oppose legislation have been successful in Texas and Florida, where bills have been introduced to ban governments, companies, and citizens of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from purchasing land near strategic sites.

Generative AI Accelerates Malware Development For Cross-Platform Attacks

by | Sep 29, 2024 | Cybersecurity

Key Takeaways

BLUF
Hackers are increasingly turning to generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology to craft sophisticated malware and phishing attacks targeting individuals and organizations alike. A recent discovery of a malware campaign by HP Wolf Security involved the AsyncRAT malware delivered through AI-generated code. The attackers used HTML smuggling techniques to deliver password-protected ZIP archives, which, once cracked, unleashed scripts establishing persistence on infected machines. The organized structure and explanatory comments in the code resembled outputs of generative AI. Researchers noted that generative AI allows even less-skilled hackers to develop advanced malware quickly. The malware campaign also demonstrated how attackers used generative AI not only for writing code but also for speeding up their workflow in developing threats targeting different platforms. Additionally, archives were reported as the most common delivery method in the first half of 2024.

Key Takeaways

  1. AI-written malware: Hackers are deploying malware, likely written by generative AI, to bypass security defenses.
  2. AsyncRAT malware: This open-source malware is being delivered via phishing campaigns, enabling remote access and data theft.
  3. AI comments in code: The structured code with comments explaining each step hints at AI involvement, a method rarely used by human developers in malicious code.
  4. Lower-skill attackers empowered: Generative AI enables less technically adept cybercriminals to write functional malware more efficiently.
  5. HTML smuggling used: Attackers employed HTML smuggling techniques to distribute password-protected ZIP archives containing malware.
  6. Persistence mechanisms: The VBScript used in the attack created scheduled tasks and modified the Windows Registry to ensure malware persistence.
  7. Archives as delivery method: ZIP files and similar archives were the most common malware delivery vector in 2024.
  8. Cross-platform threat potential: Generative AI is helping cybercriminals quickly adapt malware to target different operating systems (Linux, macOS).
  9. Speeding up malware creation: Even if AI isn’t used to generate complete malware, it is being leveraged to expedite the development process for more advanced attacks.
  10. Cybersecurity challenges: AI’s misuse in cybercrime emphasizes the need for robust, adaptive defenses.

Sources