MIT's Sloan School of Management has withdrawn a research paper claiming artificial intelligence plays a significant role in most ransomware attacks. The study faced ridicule from experts for suggesting cybercriminals suddenly acquired AI capabilities. This backtrack highlights scrutiny over unusual claims in the report.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sloan School of Management recently pulled a paper that asserted AI's substantial involvement in the majority of ransomware incidents. Titled in reports as an 'absolutely ridiculous' study, it implied that cybercriminals had abruptly gained artificial intelligence powers, drawing sharp criticism from cybersecurity experts.
According to TechRadar, the withdrawal came after the paper's claims were mocked for their implausibility. The report's unusual assertions prompted MIT to backtrack, removing the document from circulation. No specific timeline for the paper's initial release or exact withdrawal date is detailed in available sources, but the event underscores the rigorous peer review expected in academic cybersecurity research.
Experts' reactions emphasized the overstatement of AI's role in cyber threats, with the study's disappearance reflecting MIT's response to professional feedback. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges in attributing technological advancements to criminal activities without robust evidence.