Google has discovered that North Korean hackers are utilizing synthetic intelligence (AI) to assist cryptocurrency theft.
In a latest report, the corporate’s Menace Intelligence Group (GTIG) defined that a number of malware packages depend on massive language fashions (LLMs) to write down or change code whereas working.
GTIG mentioned it has noticed not less than 5 kinds of AI-powered malware lively in present assaults.
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In contrast to conventional malware, which accommodates fastened directions, these new packages can use fashions like Gemini or Qwen2.5-Coder to create or disguise dangerous code when wanted. This strategy, known as “just-in-time code creation”, lets the malware alter itself and keep away from detection techniques.
Two examples from the report, PROMPTFLUX and PROMPTSTEAL, present how attackers are combining AI with hacking operations.
PROMPTFLUX contacts the Gemini API each hour to rewrite components of its VBScript code, whereas PROMPTSTEAL, linked to Russia’s APT28 group, makes use of the Qwen mannequin on Hugging Face to generate Home windows instructions throughout assaults.
The report additionally highlights a North Korean group referred to as UNC1069, or Masan. In line with Google, this group is thought for stealing cryptocurrency by way of social engineering.
Investigators discovered that UNC1069 used Gemini to search for pockets knowledge, write scripts that attain encrypted information, and create phishing emails in a number of languages aimed toward crypto alternate workers.
Not too long ago, GTIG recognized a brand new tactic utilized by North Korean hackers, referred to as “EtherHiding”. What’s it? Learn the total story.
