A cybersecurity affiliate of Japan’s GMO Internet Group has identified a China-linked artificial intelligence penetration tool named “Artex” behind a wave of recent corporate cyberattacks. The autonomous AI agent, designed to diagnose system vulnerabilities, was detected targeting Japanese firms across the retail, logistics, and financial sectors. Investigators discovered six attacking devices exclusively focused on Japanese entities, coinciding with eight companies disclosing data leaks between September and October. Independent investigations indicate the same Artex agent has been deployed in recent unauthorized access campaigns against South Korean financial institutions. Japanese government officials, including cybersecurity minister Toshiharu Furukawa, stated authorities are actively analyzing the malicious use of AI while investigating foreign actor involvement.

Full report : Japanese IT security investigators reveal that autonomous penetration tools targeted firms across retail, logistics, and financial sectors.