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AI has 'potential' to turn script kiddies into sophisticated infrastructure attackers
Security experts and researchers examined whether artificial intelligence (AI) could enable less-skilled attackers to compromise critical infrastructure systems. Testing by Frenos, an OT security firm, ran large language models through over 16,000 simulated attack scenarios between October 2025 and September 2026, finding that frontier models succeeded in planning attacks 60 to 90 percent of the time but showed inconsistency and gaps in their strategies. While AI reduces technical barriers and accelerates tool development for attackers, human judgment remains necessary to correct model errors and execute real-world attacks against industrial systems.
Why it matters: Operational technology defenders must recognize that AI is lowering entry barriers for attackers targeting utilities and manufacturing plants, enabling faster reconnaissance and exploitation planning, making network segmentation, access controls, and disaster recovery drills urgent priorities.
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- First seen by Cybersecurity Tracker