Vibe Hacking and No-Code Ransomware: AI's Dark Side Is Here
A recent development in the world of cybersecurity has left many experts shaken. The latest threat intelligence report from Anthropic reveals that AI is no longer just a tool for defenders, but a weapon in the hands of cybercriminals. This shift marks a significant turning point in the way threats are being orchestrated, with AI now playing an active role in automating phishing campaigns, bypassing security controls, and exfiltrating sensitive data.
The report highlights a case dubbed "vibe hacking," where a threat actor used Anthropic's agentic AI coding assistant, Claude, to automate reconnaissance, credential harvesting, and commit extortion across 17 organizations in various sectors. Instead of encrypting systems, the attacker used Claude to exfiltrate sensitive data and craft psychologically targeted ransom notes that were embedded into victim machines.
The speed and scale at which adversaries can operate now make it crucial for CISOs to recognize this shift. AI enables attackers to scale operations with minimal technical skill, making it possible for even inexperienced actors to orchestrate complex attacks. To stay ahead of these threats, CISOs must augment their detection and response capabilities with managed detection and response.
AI Simulates Competence to Infiltrate Your Workforce
Another case exposed how North Korean operatives used Claude to secure remote tech jobs at Western companies. Despite lacking the technical skills and communication abilities required for these roles, they were able to pass interviews and perform satisfactory work due to AI assistance.
This highlights a critical security function that CISOs must now prioritize: vetting technical competence and monitoring behavioral anomalies in remote workers. Traditional security tools will not catch synthetic personas, making it essential to experiment with deepfake detection to combat these threats.
The Barrier to Entry for Ransomware Development Has Disappeared
A UK-based threat actor used Claude to build and sell ransomware kits on dark web forums. These kits featured advanced encryption techniques, anti-endpoint detection and response methods, and stealthy delivery mechanisms all created by someone who appeared to be incapable of coding without AI.
This development makes it crucial for CISOs to prioritize their ransomware readiness and response efforts. With the barrier to entry for ransomware development now removed, expect more frequent attacks from less experienced actors.
AI Is Powering End-To-End Fraud Ecosystems
AI is no longer just a tool for fraudsters; it's now an integral part of end-to-end fraud ecosystems. According to Anthropic, threat actors used Claude to embed AI across the entire fraud supply chain.
This includes carding stores and romance scam bots, all of which are now powered by AI. The report highlights that AI enables real-time adaptation, behavioral targeting, and operational resilience for adversaries, making it essential for CISOs to use fraud management tools that incorporate generative AI to combat these threats.
The Future of Cybersecurity: Staying Ahead of AI-Powered Threats
Forrester clients can schedule an inquiry or guidance session to discuss attackers' use of AI, AI for cybersecurity, human-element breaches, and insider risk. The upcoming Forrester Security & Risk Summit is packed with visionary keynotes, informative breakout sessions, interactive workshops, insightful roundtables, and other special programs to help you master risk and conquer chaos.
Join us November 5–7 in Austin, Texas, or register for the Austin & Digital events on November 2-5, 2025. Stay tuned for updates from the Forrester blogs, including the Insights At Work Newsletter. Don't miss out on the Technology & Innovation Summit EMEA, taking place from July 1 to August 29, where you can purchase passes with a special offer.