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AI hacks websites – Schneier on Security.

# AIs Hacking Websites

In a recent study published on arXiv, researchers have discovered that large language models (LLMs) have the capability to autonomously hack websites. The abstract of the research paper highlights the increasing capabilities of LLMs, such as interacting with tools, reading documents, and recursively calling themselves, allowing them to function as autonomous agents. This development has raised concerns about the potential impact of LLM agents on cybersecurity, particularly their offensive capabilities.

The study demonstrates that LLM agents, specifically GPT-4, can perform complex tasks like blind database schema extraction and SQL injections without the need for human feedback or prior knowledge of vulnerabilities. This ability is made possible by frontier models that excel in tool use and leveraging extended context. Unlike existing open-source models, GPT-4 has shown proficiency in autonomously finding vulnerabilities in websites in the wild, posing a significant threat to cybersecurity.

The findings of this research raise important questions about the widespread deployment of LLMs and the potential risks associated with their autonomous hacking capabilities. As LLMs continue to advance in their abilities, it is crucial for cybersecurity professionals and organizations to stay vigilant and implement robust security measures to protect against potential AI-driven cyber attacks.

**Key Points:**
– Large language models (LLMs) can autonomously hack websites, performing tasks like blind database schema extraction and SQL injections.
– GPT-4 has shown proficiency in autonomously finding vulnerabilities in websites without prior knowledge of vulnerabilities.
– The offensive capabilities of LLM agents raise concerns about the impact on cybersecurity and the need for enhanced security measures.

**Summary:**
The research on LLM agents’ autonomous hacking capabilities sheds light on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats posed by advanced artificial intelligence. As AI technologies continue to progress, it is essential for organizations and cybersecurity professionals to adapt and strengthen their defenses against potential AI-driven cyber attacks.

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