Record summary
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Risk profile
How this risk is described and categorized.
"The 2001 US anthrax attack is one of the worst biological attacks in history, where five people were killed and 17 others infected, with several senators being victims of the attack. Anthrax, an infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is deadliest when spread through inhalation of anthrax spores [102]. Investigations conclude that the perpetrator, who had access to highly sophisticated lab equipment, possessed the knowledge and ability of growing, harvesting, storing, and drying highly purified spores used in the mailings [103]. While modern AI was not involved in the 2001 attacks, it is believed that AI-driven biotech will make bioweapons easier and cheaper to develop over the next decade [104]. This raises concerns that similar attacks could be carried out by individuals with less specialized knowledge and resources."
Suggested mitigations
Defenses that may help with related attacks.
Source
Research source for this risk, when available.
Included resource
Dimensional Characterization and Pathway Modeling for Catastrophic AI Risks
Original source
MIT AI Risk Repository
Open the public repository used for AI risk records and taxonomy fields.
