Ankura CTIX FLASH Update – February 20, 2026

Malware Activity

How Hackers Are Using AI and Malware to Bypass Security

Recent reports warn that AI assistants like Microsoft Copilot and Grok, which can browse the internet and access URLs, are being exploited by hackers as hidden communication channels. Instead of connecting directly to malicious servers, cybercriminals use these trusted AI tools to send commands and steal data, making their activities harder to detect. Attackers create simple programs that leverage the AI's browsing features to hide malicious traffic within normal web activity, bypassing traditional security defenses. At the same time, a dangerous Android malware called Keenadu has been discovered, capable of taking full control of infected devices by embedding itself deep into firmware, often during manufacturing or through malicious updates. Keenadu can steal sensitive information and monitor user activity, and it's spread through fake apps and infected firmware, with some devices in