Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates warns that AI-powered cyberattacks are likely to increase and could cause major disruption, including attacks that target financial systems. He says criminals may use AI to extort victims and to carry out operations more effectively, particularly when AI tools are not properly secured or regulated.
Gates frames the risk as part of a broader shift in how cybercrime is conducted, arguing that safeguards have not kept pace with rapid AI development. While the outlets differ slightly in wording and timing, both report that Gates expects “negative surprises” soon—within about a year, with one source specifically citing 2027. The reporting also emphasizes that the threat extends beyond traditional hacking to scenarios involving manipulation, fraud, and extortion enabled by AI capabilities.
