Cybersecurity firm Hadrian has launched an updated version of its agentic artificial intelligence platform, designed to deploy autonomous “offensive” software agents that proactively search for and test security weaknesses before they can be exploited by cybercriminals. This release comes amid reports of a significant uptick in the use of AI tools by attackers, particularly as the UK has increasingly become a target for cyber incidents within Europe.
Hadrian’s platform conducts continuous testing against organizations’ external digital infrastructures, mimicking real-world attack techniques to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. This technology represents a strategic response to a “machine versus machine” dynamic in cybersecurity, where both attackers and defenders are employing automated agents.
Recent industry research highlighted by Hadrian indicates that the UK accounts for approximately 25% of all reported cyber incidents across Europe, with organizations facing over 100 million malicious attack attempts in just one quarter. The country now ranks as the third most targeted globally, following the United States and Canada.
Security teams have noted an increased reliance on AI tools by criminal groups over the past year. These tools range from basic chatbots that facilitate fraud to advanced models capable of generating malicious code on demand. Hadrian pointed to troubling examples, including ransomware gangs utilizing AI chatbots and “ScamAgents” that engage in convincing fraudulent conversations with victims. Other instances involve “jailbroken” models like WormGPT, which can create malware at scale.
Furthermore, attackers are leveraging widely available large language models, such as Anthropic’s Claude, to assist with tasks ranging from reconnaissance to social engineering. Hadrian noted that this trend has both accelerated the speed and increased the volume of attempted intrusions, thereby lowering the entry barrier for less skilled attackers.
Rogier Fischer, Chief Executive of Hadrian, emphasized the fundamental shift occurring in cyber conflict. “We are witnessing a cyber arms race between AI,” he stated. “This is no longer a human-versus-human contest; it’s machine versus machine. Hackers are building autonomous attackers; we build autonomous hackers on the side of the good. Our AI agents strike first: they expose the weaknesses before attacks have the chance to exploit them and break in.”
Hadrian positions its platform as a set of autonomous offensive agents operating continuously. These agents simulate live attacks against external-facing systems, using insights about emerging AI-driven attack methodologies to adapt their testing routines. The software aims to mirror the behavior of current threat actors more closely and supports autonomous actions that expose vulnerabilities before they can be discovered by criminal groups. Regularly repeating these tests provides a more persistent and proactive defense compared to traditional, infrequent penetration tests that rely heavily on human consultants.
The launch reflects a broader shift in the cybersecurity market towards automation and AI-driven tools. Vendors are increasingly investing in products that continuously scan corporate networks and internet-facing systems, generating remediation advice for internal IT teams. Hadrian asserts that organizations can no longer rely solely on human analysts, particularly as attackers deploy AI systems capable of striking with greater speed and scale.
The research referenced by Hadrian is based on a review of recent reports and news that document the growing utilization of AI in cyberattacks. Findings align with trends identified by various industry bodies and security vendors, which have warned of the escalating prevalence of AI systems throughout the attack lifecycle.
Security consultants have reported that AI tools are now instrumental in tasks such as scanning for exposed systems, crafting phishing emails with few language errors, impersonating voices and faces, and writing or modifying exploit code. Law enforcement agencies and regulators have expressed concerns that these advancements may overwhelm organizations lacking fortified defenses, particularly those operating legacy systems or managing sensitive data.
Focusing on offensive security testing from a “hacker’s perspective,” Hadrian employs AI technologies aimed at identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities prior to exploitation by cybercriminals. The firm offers continuous monitoring of clients’ external attack surfaces and conducts ongoing threat analysis, collaborating with companies across various sectors with complex digital infrastructures. As attackers increasingly turn to AI-driven techniques and tools, Hadrian plans to expand its use of autonomous agents to enhance security measures further.
