ECB is weighing defensive options as AI tools like Mythos reshape cyber threats. Officials stress preparedness despite limited direct access to the system.
FRANKFURT, May 8 – The European Central Bank is examining defensive measures against cyberattacks powered by Mythos artificial intelligence. Such discussions come amid threats to the cybersecurity of Europe’s banking system, and the ECB faces limited access to this technology compared with some regions around the world.
Mythos was developed by Anthropic to detect vulnerabilities in code and bolster cyber defense. Yet cybersecurity experts warn that the system could accelerate attacks on banks’ technological systems. Mythos is currently available only to a limited group of companies in the United States.
Anthropic itself says that Mythos could be misused, which is why its deployment is restricted to a test environment for a small number of companies.
Lagarde noted that the lack of access does not prevent the ECB from considering countermeasures; the bank continues to study possible protection options even without full access to Mythos.
“There is a lot of talk about Mythos right now: it is a very noticeable and ‘sexy’ topic. Unfortunately, this creates inequality in global conditions between the United States and the rest of the world, since access is limited to American companies.”
– Christine Lagarde
“I can assure you that from our standpoint as the ECB, we aim to develop and define what defensive measures should be in place in case this is used by a malicious state actor or criminals,” Lagarde added.
“I can assure you that from our position as the ECB we aim to develop and define what defensive measures should be in place in case this is used by a malicious state actor or criminals.”
– Christine Lagarde
She also noted that a state-sponsored attack is more likely due to the substantial computing power Mythos requires. ECB supervisory authorities are also questioning banks about their readiness to respond to a new class of AI-focused cybersecurity models.
The European Commission said earlier this week that it had been informed about Mythos by Anthropic, and is now assessing the impact of this technology on EU policies and legislation.
In sum, experts emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring and preparedness for potential Mythos-usage scenarios, highlighting the need for regulatory and technological oversight in the EU.