Mythos AI: ‘Master thief’ of the digital world, panic in banks, government also in action mode, know what effect it has on you

New Delhi. India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has asked Indian banks to beware of a new and very powerful AI named ‘Cloud Mythos’. This AI is so intelligent that it finds those secret flaws in computer and bank systems which even humans cannot see. In such a situation, it can create the master key of the digital lock, which can open the secure doors of the bank. The government fears that if hackers use this AI, they can break into the banks’ systems. Therefore, the government has ordered all the banks to immediately strengthen their security systems and share information among themselves so that the money and information of the general public remains completely safe.

On Thursday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a high-level meeting with top officials of banks. The main objective of this meeting was to understand the cyber threats posed by a very powerful AI model named Anthropic Claude Mythos. Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was also present in this meeting.

The Finance Ministry said on social media platform X that Nirmala Sitharaman has asked all the banks and related institutions to be alert. He said that the challenge posed by Mythos is completely new and very big. For this, all financial institutions and banks need to be more alert than ever, make strong preparations and work together. This matter is so serious that the government does not want to take it lightly.

Why is mythos so dangerous?

An AI startup company named Anthropic has created ‘Cloud Mythos’. This is the most advanced model of the company so far. This AI is so powerful that it even finds those mistakes and vulnerabilities which escape the attention of humans. It has discovered such flaws in the operating system and internet browser that no one knew about for the last 27 years. This AI can open those secret doors of computer software which can be used by hackers.

This is the reason why the company has not released it for the general public. Anthropic believes that if this AI reaches everyone, then the power of dangerous hacking will come into the hands of any ordinary person. At present, its access has been given only to 40 selected companies like Amazon, Microsoft and Google. But according to reports, some unauthorized people have secretly gained access to it, which has increased the concern of banks around the world. Not only India, but the American government is also discussing this threat with Wall Street banks.

What steps did the Government of India take?

The Finance Minister has ordered banks to take immediate steps to secure their IT systems, so that customer data remains safe. The government is planning to create a framework that can identify and prevent attacks using AI. The Finance Ministry has suggested that banks should create a real-time system in collaboration with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (Indian CERT) and other agencies. This means that as soon as any threat is seen on any one bank, information about it immediately reaches the banking system of the entire country.

Nirmala Sitharaman has also advised the Indian Banks Association (IBA) to create an institutional system that can respond immediately to any cyber attack. According to a report, the Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India are now investigating in depth how big a threat this new AI model could pose to India’s financial sector. At present, the government’s emphasis is on prevention and advance preparation so that the hard-earned money of the common man remains safe.

How much impact on the common man?

• Money security: If the banks’ system becomes weak, the risk of theft of money from the account or digital fraud may increase. However, the purpose of this warning from the government is to increase security in time so that your money remains safe.
• Changes in Banking Services: In the coming days, banks may impose double security (like extra OTP or biometric) in their app or online banking. This may take a little more time for your transaction, but this will be for your safety.
• Caution in Transaction: Now you will have to be more alert than ever about your bank password, PIN and personal information. Clicking on any unknown link can prove costly.
• Technical Updates: Banks will think about updating their machines and software. During this period, sometimes net banking or ATM services may remain closed for a few hours.
• Trust vs Stress: Such news creates fear in people’s mind, but the activeness of the government shows that they are working with big tech companies to protect your data and earnings.