For the first time in history: the ransomware PromptLock attacks using AI
Journalist
Anna Tkach
27.08.2025 - 16:20
843 viewed
According to hvylya.net: To operate, PromptLock utilizes the open model gpt-oss-20b, released by OpenAI less than a month ago. Thus, the malware can function on various operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Experts from ESET Research Labs have discovered a unique malware PromptLock, which for the first time in history employs artificial intelligence for attacks. According to the research, this ransomware uses immutable prompts that are sent to a local AI model. The intelligent model, in turn, generates Lua scripts in real time to scan the file system, exfiltrate, or encrypt data.
The PromptLock malware has become the first of its kind to use artificial intelligence for attacks, utilizing the open model gpt-oss-20b. This could open new opportunities for cybercriminals in attacks on various operating systems.
Advertisement
Read also
How an American Startup’s AI Bombadil is Revolutionizing Plant Signal Analysis for Agriculture
today, 16:20
98 viewed
Spotify Removes 50 Million Tracks from Recommendations in Crackdown on Spam and AI-Generated Music
today, 14:20
104 viewed
OpenAI’s GPT-6 Advances Code Migration Accuracy to 97.9% for Legacy Programming Languages
yesterday, 14:00
167 viewed
Gemini 4 Argon AI Agents Achieve First Fully Autonomous Victory Over Minecraft’s Ender Dragon Using 1.35 Billion Tokens
19.10.2026 - 19:48
284 viewed
How AI and Deepfakes Distort Memory and Sway Political Choices
19.10.2026 - 11:32
261 viewed
China Unveils Affordable AI-Powered Interceptor Drones to Counter Terrorist UAVs
18.10.2026 - 19:08
357 viewed

