Too powerful to launch? This AI can hack systems in hours, Anthropic explains why

HIGHLIGHTS

Mythos has identified thousands of high-risk flaws across major operating systems and browsers

Limited rollout to companies like Apple, Google and Amazon aims to fix issues before public release

Experts warn AI could accelerate cyberattacks, urging users to update devices and strengthen security measures

Too powerful to launch? This AI can hack systems in hours, Anthropic explains why

Anthropic’s latest and most powerful model Mythos has been in the headlines ever since the company announced it. While it has a lot of what we call as benefits, the new model has also raised cybersecurity concerns over the past week after reportedly identifying critical vulnerabilities across widely used software systems. The model has flagged thousands of high-risk flaws spanning major operating systems and web browsers and has raised fears about its potential misuse if released publicly.

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Instead of making the system widely available, the company has opted for a controlled rollout only offering early access to a group of around 40 technology firms. The list includes giants like Apple, Google and Amazon. With this, the company aims to allow these organisations to identify and fix weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.

But multiple reports and cybersecurity experts warn that tools like Mythos can accelerate cyberattacks as AI systems are able to discover and exploit vulnerabilities far faster than humans. Testing by the UK AI Security Institute reportedly showed that the model can independently carry out tasks that would typically take security researchers days to complete.

Also read: Smartphones may get bigger, user-replaceable batteries by 2027, here is why

Industry analysts say the development can dramatically increase the volume and speed of cyber threats and this can lead to a surge in security incidents and force organisations to adapt faster patching cycles and stronger defense mechanisms.

What experts say

The experts as cited by the report are advised to take basic precautions, including enabling automatic software updates, replacing devices that no longer get security patches and strengthening account protection with tools like password manager and multi factor authentication. Newer login methods such as passkeys are also recommended for improved security.

Ashish Singh

Ashish Singh

Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile

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