Microsoft Warns Criminals And States Now Use AI To Supercharge Cyberattacks

Microsoft warned that criminals and some states now use artificial intelligence to supercharge cyberattacks. The company said publicly that adversaries combine AI with traditional hacking tools to scale attacks and evade defenses. That trend raises risks for businesses, infrastructure, and consumers worldwide.

AI lets attackers automate phishing, craft realistic deepfakes, and find software flaws faster than before. Automated tooling also enables lower-skilled actors to mount sophisticated campaigns and increases attack volume and speed.

Coverage of AI has shifted from optimism about productivity gains to alarm about offensive uses. Microsoft and security firms have driven that change by publicizing incidents and research showing real-world misuse. Debates on social media reflect a split between experts urging regulation and others warning that heavy-handed rules could slow defensive innovation.