The US National Security Agency is reportedly using Anthropic's Mythos AI model for offensive cyber operations, according to the Financial Times. The model could be used to break into networks in China or Iran. Anthropic has placed about half a dozen engineers directly at the NSA to adapt the model and support its use. Whether these engineers are involved in active operations remains unclear. The move comes as Anthropic continues its legal battle with the Pentagon over its classification as a 'supply chain risk.'

The Department of Defense classified the company as a 'supply chain risk' and attempted to cut it from contracts due to concerns about the use of its Claude models for mass surveillance and autonomous drones. The NSA delivery was exempt from this ban. Anthropic claims it does not see a conflict with its values, emphasizing its focus on protecting US citizens from AI threats. The company recently expanded access to Mythos to 150 organizations across 15 countries. President Trump also signed an executive order for voluntary safety testing of new AI models, which Anthropic viewed favorably.

The Financial Times reported that the NSA is using Anthropic's Mythos AI model for offensive cyber operations. The report highlights the potential use of the model to break into networks in China or Iran. Anthropic has placed about half a dozen engineers directly at the NSA to adapt the model and support its use. Whether these engineers are involved in active operations is not clear. The move comes while Anthropic is still in a legal fight with the Pentagon. The Department of Defense classified the company as a 'supply chain risk' and tried to cut it from contracts because Anthropic wanted to restrict the use of its Claude models for mass surveillance and autonomous drones. The NSA delivery was exempt from that ban. Anthropic likely doesn't see a conflict with its own values: in its demands to the Pentagon, the company always pointed to protecting US citizens from AI threats. Anthropic recently expanded access to Mythos to 150 organizations across 15 countries. President Trump also signed an executive order for voluntary safety testing of new AI models, which Anthropic viewed favorably.

Source: thedecoder