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Google spots AI-assisted ‘zero-day’ cyberattack

May 11, 2026, 6:30pm EDT
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Illuminated Google sign in a dark office
Danielle Villasana/Reuters

Google said it identified a cyberattack that relied on AI to detect a previously unknown bug.

The tech giant said it’s the first time it has seen AI involved in a “zero-day attack,” which exploits a vulnerability that the company was unaware of.

“We believe this is the tip of the iceberg,” a Google security analyst said. Experts, as well as AI companies themselves, have warned of the danger that advanced AI systems could pose to cyber defenses; Anthropic held off on releasing its latest model for that exact reason.

While such fears could push the US and China — fierce technological rivals — to discuss AI safety, Beijing has little incentive to slow down, Semafor’s tech editor noted.

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