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Microsoft Says Cambodia-Based Crime Group Is Using ARTEX AI Hacking Agent Against Banks

November 7, 2026 at 19:45 EST

Security
AI Agents

Microsoft has said a Cambodia-based crime group has used an AI hacking agent called ARTEX since October against financial firms in Southeast Asia and some major global banks, in a campaign that follows a separate attack on Microsoft 365 customers last month.

Microsoft statement · AI hacking agent ARTEX

An AI hacking agent is reportedly being aimed at banks

Microsoft says a Cambodia-based crime group has used the AI agent ARTEX since October against financial firms in Southeast Asia and some major global banks. It follows a separate attack on Microsoft 365 customers last month.

How the activity is reported to have unfolded

Two separate claims, shown in sequence. Attribution for each is not confirmed to be linked.

SINCE OCTOBER

ARTEX in use

AI agent reportedly used to run intrusion steps with limited human direction.

→

LAST MONTH

Microsoft 365 attack

China-linked hackers reportedly attacked 2,250 Microsoft 365 tenants.

→

NOW

Bank campaign

Cambodia-based crime group reportedly targets financial firms and some major global banks.

Scale of the earlier Microsoft 365 attack

Each square = 10 tenants. 225 squares = 2,250 tenants reportedly attacked. The bank campaign's count of affected institutions has not been reported.

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