More than 100 companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, Alphabet and Amazon, have called for a broad push to strengthen cybersecurity, warning of an approaching wave of AI-powered attacks.

In a joint letter, the companies warned that there is only a limited window to significantly improve digital security. They said AI-powered cyberattacks would become far more widespread in the coming months as models around the world become increasingly capable.

The signatories called on governments and industry leaders to use their technology, resources and expertise to strengthen defenses.

They also urged governments to speed up programs that give selected companies access to more powerful AI models before they become available to the general public. The letter called on other organizations to make cybersecurity an immediate leadership priority.

Fears that AI will fuel a new wave of cyberattacks are already being realized, with hackers increasingly using large language models to target organizations around the world. In June, the Five Eyes intelligence alliance – comprising the US, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – warned that AI was poised to fundamentally transform cybersecurity.

(Reuters, lud)