Sunday, 25 October 2026
4 agent hacks today▲ 3 vs yesterday (1)

Symantec Uncovers 'Skynet Mode' AI Agent That Hijacks Exposed AI Models

Symantec researchers captured the full instruction set of an autonomous attack agent that uses jailbreak layers to hijack exposed or stolen-key AI model endpoints, then runs up to 100,000 unattended steps to scan, exploit, steal data, and deploy cryptomining via a self-replicating 'Skynet mode' loop. No evidence has been found that the tool was used against real-world victims yet.

Record updated 24 October 2026

Impact

Researchers found a fully built offensive AI agent capable of hijacking exposed AI model endpoints, stealing data, harvesting credentials, and deploying cryptominers, but found no evidence it had been used in live attacks against victims.

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Sources

  1. theregister.comhttps://theregister.com/security/2026/10/24/autonomous-attack-agent-in-skynet-mode-hijacks-other-models-to-carry-out-its-evil-deeds/5305215