UK Intelligence Chiefs: "AI Misuse a Major Security Threat"

407 vulnerabilities found across nine agencies in government hacking test
One vulnerability could threaten key services

The heads of Britain's intelligence agencies have identified the malicious use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a major national security threat and warned the government, The Times reported on October 11 local time.

An image depicting artificial intelligence (AI). Getty Images Bank.

Ken McCallum, director general of the Security Service (MI5), Blaise Metreweli, chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), and Anne Keast-Butler, director of Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), briefed ministers on threats including terrorism and cyberattacks involving AI at a Cabinet meeting on September 8. McCallum reportedly described AI as "the biggest issue" for ministers to consider.

In a test conducted by the British government this summer using state-of-the-art AI models to assess the government's cyber defense capabilities, 407 vulnerabilities were found across nine government agencies. One was identified as a critical vulnerability that could allow an attacker to alter computer code and disrupt the operation of key digital services.

The hacking test cost about £13,000 (approximately 23.11 million won). Concerns have been raised that even a small amount of money could be used to damage the country's critical systems.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.