Global Cyberattacks Expose Data of 320 Million Since September, With AI Playing a Growing Role Since September, a surge in global cyberattacks has compromised the personal data of at least 320 million individuals, according to a tally by Nikkei. The breaches have targeted a broad range of industries, including banks, utilities, and restaurant operators, with evidence suggesting artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being leveraged by threat actors. In Japan and South Korea, cyberattacks have intensified, with AI tools identified as a factor in recent breaches. South Korean banks reported attacks involving AI-driven techniques, while Japanese financial institutions uncovered twice the number of vulnerabilities following the release of Mythos AI, a model developed by China’s Z.ai that claims to rival Anthropic’s offerings. North Korean hackers have also been observed disguising cyberattacks as job interview invitations, using AI to enhance their social engineering tactics. The speed and sophistication of AI-powered attacks have raised concerns, with some experts warning that defenders are struggling to keep pace. Meanwhile, companies like NTT and SoftBank are exploring AI-driven cybersecurity systems that keep data localized within Japan to mitigate risks. In a separate incident, a cyberattack on a Japanese frozen food supplier resulted in stolen data being posted online. The breach underscores the widening impact of cyber threats, as attackers exploit both traditional vulnerabilities and emerging AI capabilities. OpenAI has responded to growing security concerns by pledging earlier disclosure of incidents, following a hack involving an Australian entity. However, the broader trend highlights how AI is amplifying the scale and speed of cyber threats, with defenders still playing catch-up.