The Aurora Generator Test

In 2007, researchers used 30 lines of code to hack a diesel generator, causing the 27-ton machine to violently tear itself apart.

“With just a few lines of code, you can create conditions that were physically going to be very damaging to the machines we rely on.”

AI developers admit the risks

Leading AI executives now casually admit their creation could end humanity. But the real threat may be simpler than we think.

AI doesn't need to go rogue

AI doesn't need to become all-powerful to threaten infrastructure. It just needs to fall into the wrong hands.

The barrier to hacking is gone

Before, you needed highly skilled technical expertise to hack infrastructure. Now, you just need a general idea of what's possible.

“Before, you needed to have highly skilled technical expertise. And now, you just have to have a general idea of what's possible.”

Infrastructure remains vulnerable

Much of America's critical infrastructure, like gas pipelines and water plants, remains woefully unprepared for even conventional cyberattacks.

AI agents don't get tired

AI has made it easy for anyone to hack into bank accounts or infrastructure. AI agents can work endlessly, widening the scope of easy targets.

“They don't sleep; they don't get tired; and they don't get sick.”

Geopolitics is changing the game

Nations like China, Iran, and Russia have already breached our infrastructure systems. Now they may be more inclined to actually disrupt them.

“Geopolitics is eroding the idea that those with capability lack the intent, and AI is eroding the other part of it, that those with the intent lack the capability.”

Intent meets capability

AI is eroding the gap between intent and capability. A lone wolf or terrorist group could now use AI to do far more damage than ever before.

Iran-linked attacks on water systems

Last month, dozens of water systems in small towns were attacked by hackers likely associated with Iran, causing temporary stoppages and flooding.

Water systems are sitting ducks

Most water systems are too small and underfunded to defend against attacks. It's almost like having a welcome mat for hackers.

“It's almost like having a welcome mat.”

Maybe don't digitize everything

One solution may be rejecting the pressure to digitize everything and returning to analog systems that people physically monitor.

“The screen is the thing that is infinitely manipulatable.”

A coordinated response is needed

The nation needs coordination between government and AI companies, plus international cooperation. Utilities must assume they'll be targeted.

Nobody knows how vulnerable we are

Policymakers and AI creators seem unsure how to stop the technology from acting badly. When bad things happen, no one will know what to do.

“When bad things start to happen, no one will know what to do or why because they're black boxes; the people that make them don't know what's going on inside.”