# New Threats in Cybersecurity: AI and Data Theft OpenAI's new model Astra crosses a critical threshold in cybersecurity. - **Source:** [CyberWire Daily](https://brifing.si/source/08fbf94c-e51b-42cb-be13-84db10e5d993) - **Published:** 2026-09-02 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/50099008-a964-40d7-9181-21cce18342eb ## Driver's License Data Sold on the Dark Web A group called Nexus has offered over 153 million driver's license scans for sale on the dark web. The FBI is investigating this service. Data breaches risk individuals' identity information, increasing fraudulent activities. Stronger cybersecurity measures are needed to prevent such breaches. ## OpenAI's Astra Model Crosses Critical Threshold OpenAI announced that its Astra model has crossed a 'critical' capability threshold in cybersecurity. This development increases the potential for AI to be used in cyberattacks. The model's capabilities could bypass traditional security measures. Experts call for new regulations to prevent AI misuse. ## Sality Botnet Infrastructure Disrupted International law enforcement has dismantled the decades-old Sality botnet infrastructure. This operation is a significant step in the fight against global cybercrime. Botnets hijack millions of devices to launch cyberattacks. Disrupting the infrastructure temporarily reduces cybersecurity risks. ## AI Hallucinations Used in Fraud According to IEEE Spectrum, fraudsters are developing new crime methods using AI hallucinations. This method, called 'slop squatting,' exploits false information generated by AI. It poses a new challenge in cybersecurity. Ethical guidelines are needed to prevent AI misuse. ## Urgent Patches for Cleo Harmony and Virtualizor New vulnerabilities have been discovered in Cleo Harmony and Virtualizor software. These vulnerabilities could be exploited by cyber attackers. Security experts recommend users apply urgent patches. Software updates are vital for cybersecurity. ## Texas Healthcare Data Breach Nutex Health disclosed that patient data was stolen, with hackers threatening to leak it. Data breaches are a growing problem in the healthcare sector. Patients' personal information can be used for fraud and identity theft. Healthcare organizations must enhance data security. ## Russian National Accused of Targeting Freelancers The US has accused a Russian national of targeting 80,000 freelancers with remote-access malware. These attacks risk freelancers' personal and financial information. Cybercriminals exploit the remote work trend. Freelancers must strengthen their security measures. ## AI Could Hinder Governments' Cyber Attack Tools TechCrunch reports that AI could make it harder for governments to use cyber attack tools. AI can detect and block traditional hacking tools. This could shift the balance in cybersecurity. AI's dual use for defense and offense creates a new power struggle. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.thecyberwire.com/podcasts/daily-podcast/2628/notes — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._