Hackers Use AI to Spy on Central Asia

Suspected Kazakhstan-linked hackers used an artificial intelligence agent to spy on Central Asian governments, steal sensitive documents and infiltrate critical infrastructure networks. The operation targeted Tajikistan's railway network from mid-August through early October 2025, stealing thousands of Defense Ministry documents. Researchers found the group also compromised Uzbekistan's Smart Forestry initiative and prepared phishing materials for Turkmenistan in October 2025.