AI-Built Hacking Tool Could Breach Hundreds of Millions of Phones Without a Click
pstAsiatech · x · 2026-09-09
Per the New York Times, researchers at security company Calif (Palo Alto) built a hacking tool in just over a week using advanced AI models, capable of running roughshod across messaging platforms like WeChat.
The attack: a hacker hijacks a friend's number and calls you — even if you don't pick up, your account is silently compromised within seconds, including private messages, and the attacker keeps spreading via your contacts like a highly contagious virus.
Experts said the attack could have compromised hundreds of millions of devices within hours. A year ago, such an attack would have seemed far-fetched, achievable only by elite spy agencies — now a small research team pulled it off with AI.
Related event: Researchers Built a Self-Spreading WeChat Worm in About a Week Using AI(6 posts)→
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