Chinese AI Tool Artex Used in Hacks Targeting Japanese Companies

A Chinese AI cybersecurity tool named Artex was used in a series of recent hacks against various Japanese companies, including restaurant chains and a car hire operator, according to reports from GMO Internet Group. The tool, which was designed for AI-powered security testing, was confirmed to have been used in attacks almost exclusively targeting Japan. The developer of Artex has since acknowledged the misuse by bad actors and stated that the project would no longer be updated.

The confirmed use of advanced AI in cyberattacks highlights growing risks to corporate infrastructure globally. The attacks, which included simultaneous intrusion attempts linked to financial institutions, demonstrate how AI capabilities can be weaponized against commercial targets. The developer's decision to halt updates further impacts the tool's availability.