India Warns AI-Powered Hackers Targeting Crypto Exchanges at ‘Machine Speed’

India’s cybersecurity agency has issued a stark warning about an escalating AI-assisted hacking campaign aimed at cryptocurrency exchanges and other financial institutions. The agency says a threat actor is using artificial intelligence to launch attacks at “machine speed,” significantly outpacing traditional defenses. The alert highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals who leverage AI to automate reconnaissance, craft convincing phishing lures, and adapt exploits in real time. While the agency did not name the specific threat actor, it noted the campaign is actively targeting crypto platforms, which hold billions in digital assets. The warning comes as India grapples with a surge in cyberattacks on its financial sector, with crypto exchanges becoming prime targets due to their rapid growth and sometimes lax security. The agency urged organizations to adopt AI-driven defense mechanisms and conduct regular security audits to keep pace with the evolving threat. As AI lowers the barrier for cybercrime, experts fear such attacks will become more frequent and harder to detect. The race between AI-powered offense and defense is now a defining challenge for the financial industry.