A 25-year-old man from Kawasaki, Japan, was arrested for allegedly creating a computer virus using generative artificial intelligence systems available online. This case is believed to be the first in Japan involving the use of AI to develop malware. The suspect, Ryuki Hayashi, reportedly used his home computer and smartphone to obtain information on creating malware by instructing several AI systems in March last year.
The virus crafted by Hayashi was designed to encrypt data on targeted systems and demand cryptocurrency as ransom. However, there have been no reports of damage caused by the virus so far. During questioning, Hayashi admitted to the charge, stating that he aimed to make money through ransomware and believed he could achieve anything by leveraging AI.
While platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT have implemented measures to prevent outputs related to criminal activities, some interactive AI systems online offer unrestricted information that could be exploited for malicious purposes. Hayashi allegedly concealed his intentions while instructing AI systems to obtain design information necessary for encrypting files and demanding ransom.
In addition to the current case, Hayashi was previously arrested in March for fraudulently obtaining a smartphone SIM card. Police discovered a homemade virus on his computer and other related items during the investigation. The Metropolitan Police Department is also probing the functions of the generative AI systems used by Hayashi in creating the virus.
