Cybersecurity company ESET has uncovered the world’s first known case of artificial intelligence-powered ransomware, marking what experts describe as a new era in cybercrime.
The malware, dubbed PromptLock, utilises AI to adapt and disguise itself, making it more difficult to detect and defend against. ESET Ireland has warned that Irish businesses and public bodies must take this as a serious wake-up call, given the country’s record as a target for major cyberattacks.
George Foley of ESET Ireland commented, “AI has now joined the cybercriminal’s toolkit. Ireland cannot afford to be complacent; we’ve seen the impact ransomware can have on health services and businesses. This development makes attacks faster, smarter, and more damaging.”
Ransomware attacks are estimated to have cost Irish businesses tens of millions of euros in recent years, with the 2021 HSE attack still fresh in public memory. ESET is urging organisations to strengthen defences, train staff, and maintain offline backups as core protections.
For more information, visit www.eset.ie
