Toronto researchers build AI-powered worm that customizes attacks per system
Source: The New York Times
A team at the University of Toronto has demonstrated that open-source language models can autonomously discover and exploit known vulnerabilities, then adapt their approach to individual targets. What was previously labor-intensive manual work is now scalable and self-directed. Researchers built a working prototype using publicly available tools, meaning defenders now face an adversary that doesn't tire and can iterate faster than human operators. The security industry will need to move beyond patching individual holes toward systemic resilience. The constraint preventing widespread AI-driven attacks has shifted from capability to incentive.