ISLAMABAD: Cyber­cr­iminals launched more than 92,000 malware attacks worldwide disguised as popular artificial intelligence agents and services between January and May, according to data shared by the global cybersecurity company Kaspersky.

Fake ChatGPT applications acco­unted for 49pc of all detected atta­cks, while Claude and Gemini each represented 18pc, as attackers exp­loited trusted bra­nds to lure victims into dow­nloading malicious files.

Since the beginning of the year, Kaspersky researchers have identified more than 15,000 samples of malware masquerading as agentic AI software, including fake versions of rapidly growing tools such as OpenClaw.

Among these samples were banking trojans, spyware, exploits and malware downloaders capable of deploying additional malicious payloads.

In May, the company’s research and analysis team uncovered a new campaign linked to the Silver Fox advanced persistent threat group.

In this operation, attackers distributed fake Claude AI applications for Windows, macOS and Linux, targeting users seeking access to AI tools.

Once launched, the ma­­licious installers silently deployed malware onto victims’ devices, enabling long-term access to compromised systems and sensitive information.

The company recomme­nds organisations to protect corporate infrastructure against a wide range of threats by using security solutions.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2026