Why it matters: Most cases of cyber criminals using AI are still outliers, security responders say, but AI tools promise to accelerate the attacks that have wreaked havoc across industries.

The big picture: Ransomware gangs experiment with generative AI to negotiate ransoms, write code and sharpen social engineering attacks.

• Security analysts at cybersecurity firm ReliaQuest said in a report today that 80% of the ransomware-as-a-service groups they observe are now offering automation or other AI tools on their platform.
• NYU researchers showed in August they could use local LLMs to “autonomously plan, adapt and execute” a ransomware attack.
• Palo Alto Networks observed criminals using AI-generated audio and video to impersonate employees and gain access before deploying ransomware.