London: The Five Eyes intelligence alliance has warned that rapid advances in AI could outpace existing cybersecurity measures within months, raising concerns about increased risks from AI-enabled cyberattacks.
In a joint advisory issued by security agencies from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, officials said the speed of AI development is making traditional cyber risk assumptions outdated in a very short timeframe.
The statement cautioned that advanced AI systems are lowering barriers for malicious actors, enabling faster and more sophisticated cyberattacks. It added that organisations must assume breaches will occur and focus on limiting damage through improved preparedness and response strategies.
“The rapid pace of frontier AI development means cyber risk assumptions can become outdated in months, not years,” the advisory noted, stressing the need for urgent adaptation by both governments and private sector organisations.
Security agencies urged companies to integrate AI tools into their cybersecurity operations, modernise outdated infrastructure, and restrict access to critical systems in order to reduce vulnerability to attacks.
The warning comes amid growing global concern over the misuse of advanced AI models for hacking and cyber espionage. Authorities have pointed to recent developments, including claims by US-based AI firms that their systems are increasingly capable of identifying software vulnerabilities at unprecedented speed.
Earlier reports also highlighted regulatory actions involving AI models after concerns were raised about national security risks, including restrictions on access to certain advanced systems for foreign users.
The Five Eyes alliance said organisations should prepare for more frequent and complex cyber incidents as AI capabilities evolve. It emphasized that while attacks are becoming more advanced, effective planning and security measures can help contain incidents before they escalate into major operational or financial crises.
Experts say the advisory reflects a growing global shift toward treating AI not just as a technological opportunity but also as a significant security challenge requiring immediate attention and international coordination.