Chinese-Linked Hackers Utilize AI Tools to Launch Global Cyber Attacks on Firms

10/22/2026

A China state-aligned hacking group used an AI-driven penetration testing tool to breach ConnectWise and target hundreds of organisations globally, Microsoft said, warning of persistent cloud access.

10/22/2026

The hackers, which Microsoft tracks as Storm-0940, used an open-source penetration testing framework called ARTEX to carry out the campaign, said the statement.

10/22/2026

Microsoft said the incident demonstrated how threat actors were using AI agents to automate existing attack methods and attempt to compromise multiple organisations at greater speed

10/21/2026

Around 80 Japanese companies were targeted from overseas in hacks that bore digital traces of Artex, an AI agent developed in China.