Chinese AI Tool Artex Used in Attacks on 80 Japanese Firms
Hackers used the Chinese-developed AI tool Artex to target approximately 80 Japanese companies across the finance, logistics, and e-commerce sectors.
Hackers utilized Artex, an AI-powered cybersecurity tool developed by Chinese engineer Li Puhua, to launch cyberattacks against approximately 80 companies in Japan. The breaches targeted diverse sectors, including car hire operators, restaurant chains, and firms in finance, e-commerce, and logistics, potentially impacting millions of customers.
GMO Cybersecurity by Ierae identified the attacks after analyzing forensic logs and discovering six internet servers launching the AI-driven strikes. The firm noted that eight of these attacks occurred within the past month. Artex was originally released in July as a free tool to identify network vulnerabilities, but hackers adapted it to automate the search for bugs using large language models from Anthropic and DeepSeek. While Li Puhua removed the program from its online repository after acknowledging misuse by bad actors, experts warn that pirated versions remain available.
The Japanese government has urged companies to enhance their defenses, with the head of the ruling party's cybersecurity committee declaring a state of emergency. Government spokesman Minoru Kihara stated that officials are discussing the breaches with affected firms and considering the potential involvement of foreign actors. Similar Artex-linked attacks were previously reported by CrowdStrike targeting seven financial institutions in South Korea.
