Cybersecurity researchers have begun sounding the alarm about a new and dangerous type of malware known as the AI worm. Initially, researchers from Cornell Tech, the Israel Institute of Technology, and Intuit, used what’s called an “adversarial self-replicating prompt” to create an AI powered worm in 2024. However, the fear exists that this threat is soon to be or has been used by malicious threat actors recently. This emerging threat combines two powerful technologies: artificial intelligence (AI) and self-replicating malware, also known as worms. By blending these, cybercriminals may soon create highly intelligent, fast-spreading attacks that current security systems could struggle to stop.
What Is a Worm?
To understand AI worms, it helps to first understand traditional computer worms. A worm is a type of malicious software that spreads automatically from one device to another without human assistance. Unlike viruses, which need to attach to other programs, worms operate independently. They often travel through computer networks by exploiting security flaws. Once inside a system, they may steal data, damage files, or slow down operations.
For years, worms have posed serious threats, causing financial losses, leaking sensitive information, and even disrupting national infrastructure. Now, cybercriminals may be preparing to supercharge worms by adding AI capabilities.
How AI Adds a Turbocharger to Traditional Worms
An AI worm takes the concept of a worm and upgrades it with artificial intelligence. This means the malware won’t just follow fixed instructions. Instead, it could analyze its environment, make decisions, and adapt in real-time. Just like how AI can help people write emails, generate images, or drive cars, it can also help malware become smarter and more flexible.
AI worms could use machine learning to identify their targets more effectively, evade detection by learning how security tools work, and find new ways to move from one system to another. They could even make use of AI-powered services like chatbots or email-writing tools to help them spread, without humans realizing it, posing the possibility of a very hard to detect malware threat.
Due to these capabilities, an AI worm might behave more like a digital organism, learning and growing as it moves across networks. Unlike traditional worms, which often follow a predictable path, AI worms could change tactics mid-attack and go after the most valuable systems or data.
How Could AI Worms Spread?
Researchers warn that AI worms may not need typical pathways like phishing emails or infected files to spread. Instead, they could exploit AI tools themselves, such as large language models (LLMs) like those used in chatbots and writing assistants.
For example, an AI worm could trick a generative AI tool into rewriting malicious code so that it appears safe, bypassing content filters. Worse still, the worm might use prompts, those being human-readable instructions, to get AI systems to help it carry out tasks like sending deceptive emails or probing for weak spots in a network.
This threat becomes even more alarming when combined with cloud services, collaboration tools, and other digital platforms that businesses and individuals use daily. The AI worm could move from one app to another, from one user to another, with incredible speed, far faster than human security teams can respond.
Potential Impact of AI Worms
If left unchecked, AI worms could cause massive disruptions. Here’s what they might do:
- Steal personal and business data, including passwords, credit card numbers, and confidential files.
- Damage critical infrastructure, such as healthcare systems, transportation networks, or financial institutions.
- Disrupt online communication platforms, making it difficult for people to work or connect safely.
- Manipulate public opinion, by spreading misinformation or fake content through social media and news outlets.
- Break into AI systems, using them as tools or disguises to extend the attack.
What makes AI worms especially dangerous is their ability to operate autonomously. They could evolve and grow smarter over time, making it difficult for even advanced security systems to keep up.
Defending Against AI Worms
To counter this new type of threat, organizations and individuals need to take proactive steps. Experts recommend the following measures:
- Keep systems and software updated to close security loopholes that worms might exploit.
- Use AI to fight AI, by deploying intelligent security tools that can detect unusual behavior, not just known malware signatures.
- Train staff to recognize suspicious messages, links, or requests, especially those that appear to come from trusted sources.
- Test AI systems for vulnerabilities, ensuring they don’t follow malicious prompts or instructions without oversight.
- Limit permissions on systems so that even if an AI worm gets in, it can’t easily move around or access everything.
Collaboration is Needed to Combat AI Threats
As AI worms become a more realistic threat, cybersecurity experts emphasize the need for collaboration. Tech companies, researchers, governments, and businesses must work together to design safer AI models and prepare effective defenses.
Just like societies once adapted to past digital threats, like viruses, ransomware, and phishing, now they must prepare for AI-driven cyberattacks. The goal isn’t to fear technology, but to use it wisely and responsibly. By staying informed and taking action now, everyone, from tech professionals to everyday users, can help reduce the risk of an AI worm outbreak.
