Five Eyes agencies issue urgent warning over artificial intelligence

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Cyber risks are transforming at an unprecedented scale. Global spy agencies warn that organisations must upgrade security controls to contain impending breaches.

The Five Eyes alliance have issued a call to action regarding the rapidly evolving risks of frontier artificial intelligence.

Technology experts warn that AI lowers the entry barrier for malicious hackers.

New Zealand’s National Cyber Security Centre has programme to test frontier models, track threat profiles, and advise domestic organisations.

Security officials urge leaders to immediately assess risk readiness.

Digital threats are rapidly accelerating as artificial intelligence makes it easier for hackers to find and exploit system flaws at unprecedented speed.

The head of the National Cyber Security Centre has joined international colleagues from the Five Eyes alliance to issue an urgent warning, telling organisations to prepare for a significant rise in digital vulnerabilities and operational disruption.

Frontier artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly shortened the time between the discovery of a security flaw and its exploitation by attackers.

National Cyber Security Centre deputy director-general cyber security Catriona Robinson said the evolving technology is already transforming the nature of cyber risk.

'AI is not a future consideration – it is already here,' Robinson said. 'It lowers barriers for malicious actors and increases the speed and complexity of attacks, shrinking the window between vulnerability discovery and exploitation ever more quickly. At the same time, AI offers powerful tools to strengthen defence.'

Organisations are being urged to assess their readiness, understand their risk profiles, and prioritise foundational security controls to protect against the escalating threat. Digital leaders must also be empowered with the authority and resources needed to respond swiftly.

'Breaches will occur but preparedness helps you contain them quickly and prevent escalation into major operational and financial crises,' Robinson said.

The National Cyber Security Centre has established a programme of work to manage the domestic implications of frontier AI models while developing the capability to utilise the technology for cyber defence.

As part of the programme, the agency is directly accessing frontier AI models and collaborating with industry providers and vendors who test them to understand specific security risks.

The work also includes publishing updated advice for businesses and government, alongside collaborating with agencies implementing the government's digital roadmap to ensure cyber resilience is a foundational component of state investments.

The operational cyber security agency, which forms part of the Government Communications Security Bureau, supports individuals, businesses, and organisations affected by digital incidents.