Man Charged with Developing AI-Powered Cyberattacks, Spying on Employees

An indictment has been filed against Michael Bar, 43, from Ashkelon, for conducting extensive cyberattacks against numerous Israeli companies and private individuals, stealing business and personal information. According to the charges, from 2019 until his arrest three weeks ago, Bar systematically developed and deployed malicious software, enhanced by AI tools, which he used as offensive cyber weapons.

Using these tools, Bar remotely infiltrated the computers of 26 companies, as well as private computers. The indictment details that he used computer cameras to capture intimate images of female employees at these companies, and also of their minor daughters.

The prosecution submitted the indictment to the Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court, outlining the charges of cybercrime and invasion of privacy. Bar's alleged actions involved the systematic distribution and operation of malware he created with the assistance of artificial intelligence.