What happened
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned that artificial intelligence could be used by malicious actors to carry out cyberattacks over the next year. Gates stated that the lack of safeguards on AI models could allow criminals to exploit the technology and disrupt financial systems, extort businesses, and commit sophisticated cyberattacks.
Gates' warning comes as cybersecurity researchers have reported a significant increase in AI-enabled threats. According to a recent report, attacks by AI-enabled adversaries increased by 89% in 2025, and the average time for cybercriminals to move through compromised networks fell to 29 minutes.
Gates also discussed the potential financial motivations behind cyberattacks, including extortion schemes and disruptions designed to manipulate financial markets. He emphasized that governments are not doing enough to prevent these types of attacks and called for a coordinated approach to address security risks and prepare for the broader economic consequences of AI.
