Massive cyberattack on French tax authority; AI agents suspected

France's tax administration has suffered a significant data breach, with sensitive information belonging to 678,000 individuals reportedly being offered for sale on the internet.

The cyberattack is notable for its apparent use of artificial intelligence, with cybersecurity experts suggesting that AI agents linked to China orchestrated the massive assault. This is reportedly the first instance of AI agents planning and executing a government cyberattack from start to finish without step-by-step human guidance.

In response to the escalating threat to individuals and businesses, a cross-ministerial crisis cell will convene on Monday. The cell will be chaired by the Minister of Public Services, Stanislas Guerini, to address the implications of the hack and formulate protective measures.

The tax administration has urged affected individuals to exercise caution and has provided guidance on best practices for self-protection against potential exploitation of their compromised data. The incident highlights growing concerns about state-sponsored cyber warfare and the increasing role of AI in sophisticated attacks.