Reports that Anthropic is testing a powerful new artificial intelligence model named Mythos, which carries potential security risks, led to a decline in cybersecurity stocks on Friday. The rise of AI is forcing cybersecurity firms to accelerate innovation to defend against increasingly sophisticated and easily launched cyberattacks. The cybersecurity sector has faced sustained selling pressure this year due to market concerns over AI-driven competition across the software industry, as well as Anthropic's introduction of new security tools.
Cybersecurity stocks fell sharply on Friday following reports that AI company Anthropic is testing a powerful new model with enhanced cyber capabilities but also potential security vulnerabilities. The news was first reported by Fortune on Thursday, citing a publicly accessible blog draft. The report stated that the new Mythos model is promoted as Anthropic's most powerful product to date. However, due to potential cybersecurity risks, the company plans a cautious and gradual rollout.
Anthropic did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC.
The announcement triggered a broad decline in cybersecurity shares: the iShares Cybersecurity ETF fell 3%, while industry leaders CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks each dropped 7%. Zscaler and SentinelOne plunged more than 8%, Tenable tumbled nearly 11%, and Okta and Netskope both declined over 6%.
This is not the first time the sector, already under pressure from concerns about AI disruption, has seen such a reaction. Last month, cybersecurity stocks also fell after Anthropic announced a new code-scanning security tool for Claude. The broader software industry is likewise facing pressure from rapid technological innovation.
The rise of AI and autonomous agents is reshaping the threat landscape, compelling cybersecurity companies to keep pace with more complex attack methods and tools that make it easier for hackers to infiltrate systems.
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