Why blocking AI models won’t stop the cyber threats they create

2026 sees AI-powered cyberattacks becoming a reality as new models rival human hackers, challenging existing cybersecurity infrastructure. Export controls on AI models like Anthropic’s Mythos and OpenAI’s GPT-5.5 are temporary solutions, as competitors rapidly develop equivalent capabilities. The article emphasizes the need for increased defense investment, noting that private AI companies are filling gaps left by reduced federal agency resources but lack the mandate to secure national systems comprehensively.