AI-Powered Ransomware That Sparked Concern Was NYU’s Work

Here is a 177-word summary of the news article: Researchers at New York University (NYU) have developed an AI-powered ransomware prototype that has sparked concern in the cybersecurity community. The prototype, called "DeepLocker," uses artificial intelligence to target specific victims and bypass cybersecurity defenses. DeepLocker is designed to remain dormant until it detects its intended target, at which point it activates and encrypts the victim's files, demanding a ransom payment. The researchers developed the prototype to raise awareness about the potential dangers of AI-powered malware and to encourage the development of countermeasures. The researchers emphasize that DeepLocker is not a real-world threat and was not intended for malicious use. However, the existence of such a prototype highlights the growing concern over the potential misuse of AI in cyberattacks. Cybersecurity experts warn that as AI technology becomes more advanced, the threat of AI-powered malware will continue to grow, underscoring the need for robust security measures and ongoing research into this emerging threat.