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Response snapshot Oct 27, 2026, 00:12 UTC

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AI security researchpromptlock-ransomware-proof-of-concept-2025

PromptLock: AI-orchestrated ransomware proof of concept

ESET describes PromptLock samples that use a local language model through Ollama to generate and execute Lua scripts. Its September 3, 2025 update links the samples to an academic research prototype; ESET did not observe PromptLock in actual attacks.

At a glance

AI involvement
AI used by attackers (reported)
Sources
2 independent sources

What to do

Treat this as proof-of-concept research and consult ESET's published indicators for sample analysis. The cited sources do not establish a production vulnerability, victim-remediation requirement, or patch for a criminal campaign.

Read ESET PromptLock disclosure with September 3, 2025 update (opens a new tab)

AI involvement

Reported; not independently confirmed here

AI used by attackers

ESET reports actual model use inside offensive-capability research samples. Offense here describes a laboratory proof of concept, not evidence of criminal deployment or victim impact.

Read the attribution evidence (opens a new tab)

Related technology

Sources

  1. Primary source

    ESET PromptLock disclosure with September 3, 2025 update (opens a new tab)

    Runtime AI use in samples, no observed attacks, PoC context, unimplemented destruction, and academic-prototype resemblance.

    Published Checked

  2. Primary source

    Academic preprint: Ransomware 3.0 (opens a new tab)

    Authors explicitly describe a threat model and research prototype; abstract and submission history were reviewed.

    Published Checked

Cite this record

For factual claims, cite the primary sources above; cite KEVWire for its compilation, dates, and classifications.

APA

KEVWire. (2025, September 3). PromptLock: AI-orchestrated ransomware proof of concept. https://kevwire.com/record/promptlock-ransomware-proof-of-concept-2025

MLA

"PromptLock: AI-orchestrated ransomware proof of concept." KEVWire, 3 Sept. 2025, kevwire.com/record/promptlock-ransomware-proof-of-concept-2025.

Chicago

KEVWire. "PromptLock: AI-orchestrated ransomware proof of concept." Last modified September 3, 2025. https://kevwire.com/record/promptlock-ransomware-proof-of-concept-2025.

Evidence summary (plain text)

PromptLock: AI-orchestrated ransomware proof of concept (Aug 26, 2025).
ESET describes PromptLock samples that use a local language model through Ollama to generate and execute Lua scripts. Its September 3, 2025 update links the samples to an academic research prototype; ESET did not observe PromptLock in actual attacks.
AI classification: offense; evidence: reported. ESET reports actual model use inside offensive-capability research samples. Offense here describes a laboratory proof of concept, not evidence of criminal deployment or victim impact.
Sources:
ESET PromptLock disclosure with September 3, 2025 update: https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/ransomware/first-known-ai-powered-ransomware-uncovered-eset-research/
Academic preprint: Ransomware 3.0: https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.20444
Record ID: promptlock-ransomware-proof-of-concept-2025.
Record origin: Editorial selection.
AI evidence: Reported; not independently confirmed here.
About this data

This record was assembled editorially. Editorial review: Oct 26, 2026. Editorial selection does not make a reported claim independently confirmed.

Technology tags indicate possible relevance, not verified exposure. Confirm the affected product, version, and configuration against your own inventory; KEVWire does not scan your systems.

A personal reading checklist on this device, not verified remediation.

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Record details

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