Lumma Stealer, a notorious infostealer that infected nearly 395,000 Windows computers last year, has resurfaced with new, hard-to-detect attacks, according to researchers. The malware, which first appeared in 2022, uses a cloud-based, malware-as-a-service model to distribute itself through lure sites offering pirated software and other content, Ars Technica reported. This news comes as Anthropic released its Claude Cowork AI agent software for Windows, and Austrian developer Peter Steinberger's open source AI assistant OpenClaw gained rapid adoption.
Lumma Stealer's return marks a setback in the fight against cybercrime. The malware pilfers credentials and sensitive files from infected machines. Its initial infrastructure was hobbled by law enforcement last May, but the attackers have rebuilt and are once again deploying the stealer at scale, Ars Technica noted.
Meanwhile, Anthropic's Claude Cowork AI agent software launched on Windows on Monday, bringing file management and task automation to approximately 70% of the desktop computing market, VentureBeat reported. The Windows version offers "full feature parity" with the macOS version, including file access, multi-step task execution, and plugin integration. Users can also set global and folder-specific instructions for the AI to follow.
The rapid adoption of OpenClaw, an open-source AI assistant developed by Peter Steinberger, has also captured attention. OpenClaw allows users to complete work and perform tasks across their computers and phones using natural language prompts, VentureBeat stated. However, its "permissionless" architecture raised security concerns, leading to the development of NanoClaw, a lighter and more secure version.
In other news, Google DeepMind CEO and Nobel laureate Sir Demis Hassabis believes the world is on the cusp of a "renaissance" driven by artificial intelligence, but warns of a turbulent transition period lasting a decade or more. Speaking to Fortune, Hassabis envisioned a future where AI solves the planet's most complex problems.
Finally, Buddhist monks concluded a 108-day, 2,300-mile walk for peace from Texas to Washington, D.C., NPR News reported. Thousands gathered at the Washington National Cathedral to witness the end of their journey.
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