Open-source AI “guardrails” stripped off as hackers eye exposed models, researchers say
Researchers warned Thursday that hackers and criminals can readily hijack computers running open-source large language models outside the control of major AI platforms, opening up new security threats. https://www.reuters.com/technology/open-source-ai-models-vulnerable-criminal-misuse-researchers-warn-2026-01-29/ The warning comes as more groups and hobbyists turn to “open-weight” models — AI systems with downloadable parameters that anyone can host — instead of depending solely on cloud platforms that control usage policies and track misuse.