Chinese, Iranians, and hackers from 20 other countries turn to Google's Gemini chatbot to assist with malicious code writing and plan cyberattacks

Foreign hacking groups from several countries like China, Iran, Russia and North Korea are increasingly leveraging AI technologies specifically the Google Gemini chatbot to actually enhance their cyber capabilities, reported The Wall Street Journal. According to a pretty recent Google report, these groups are using AI primarily and on a constant basis as a productivity tool rather than developing the groundbreaking hacking techniques.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Chinese and Iranian hackers presently emerged as the most active users with over 20 China linked and 10 Iran linked groups detected. More than that, their primary objectives include conducting reconnaissance, researching potential targets, generating phishing content and exploring the data exfiltration methods.

On the other hand, the North Korean hackers even used AI to draft job application cover letters to infiltrate the technology positions.


While the current AI usage appears pretty modest, eminent experts have issued severe warnings that these technologies could significantly transform the cyber warfare. The emergence of DeepSeek which is a Chinese AI platform has specifically alarmed the US technology and intelligence sectors by eventually demonstrating advanced capabilities at a fraction of traditional development costs, asserted The Wall Street Journal.

Google threat intelligence vice president Sandra Joyce emphasized on the fact that AI still remains far more beneficial for cybersecurity defenders than attackers, noted The Wall Street Journal. However, at the same time, US officials like Laura Galante issued caution that these are actually early days and the potential for AI powered cyber threats continues to evolve rapidly with passing days.

FAQs:

What are foreign hacking groups from different countries like China and Iran are increasingly leveraging?

Foreign hacking groups from several countries like China, Iran, Russia and North Korea are increasingly leveraging AI technologies specifically the Google Gemini chatbot to actually enhance their cyber capabilities.

Hackers from which countries emerged as the most active user?

Chinese and Iranian hackers presently emerged as the most active users with over 20 China linked and 10 Iran linked groups detected.