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Open-Source AI Models Drive Surge in Blockchain-Based Malware Attacks

September 17, 2026
oecd:2026-09-17-e839View source ↗

What happened

The release of powerful, unrestricted Chinese open-source AI models has enabled hackers, including state-linked groups from North Korea and Iran, to generate and embed malicious code in blockchain transactions. This has led to a 440% increase in blockchain-hosted malware commands, significantly escalating cyberattacks and digital theft globally.

Reported impact

Affected parties
Not publicly disclosed
Harm type
Not publicly disclosed
Scale
Not publicly disclosed
Financial impact
Not publicly disclosed
Regulatory action
Not publicly disclosed

Classification

Organization
Not publicly disclosed
AI system
Not publicly disclosed
Industry
Not publicly disclosed
Country
Not publicly disclosed
Provider
Not publicly disclosed
Incident type
Not publicly disclosed

Relevant governance controls

Governance control mapping is not available for this record.

  • No controls mappedNot publicly disclosed

Control mapping is analytical. It does not state that any control would have prevented the incident.

Sources and evidence

OECD AI Incidents Monitor
Primary source
Open-Source AI Models Drive Surge in Blockchain-Based Malware Attacks
2026-09-17