Ransomware Detection Reaches 99.96% Accuracy With New AI Model - 1

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Ransomware Detection Reaches 99.96% Accuracy With New AI Model

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Scientists have developed an AI system that detects ransomware with 99.96% accuracy, converting malicious behavior into images to enhance cybersecurity defenses.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • AI converts ransomware behavior into images for accurate detection.
  • System operates in a secure sandbox environment.
  • ResNet50 model achieved 99.96% ransomware detection accuracy.

This new AI tool, detailed in Scientific Reports , uses a “behavior-to-image” technique that converts software actions into images the AI is able to analyze.

The researchers explain how ransomware attacks are becoming more frequent and costly, with the average ransom payment skyrocketing to $2.73 million.

The new system works by first running software through an isolated sandbox environment, allowing it to safely monitor its behavior. The system detects the specific behavior of file encryption, which is a characteristic ransomware operation. These behaviors are then converted into a two-dimensional grayscale or color image.

This image-based format allows researchers to use a technique known as ‘transfer learning’ with pre-trained AI models. The researchers explain that this step is crucial as it overcomes the major hurdle in cybersecurity tied to the lack of large, up-to-date datasets of ransomware samples for training.

“Limited data increases the overfitting risk, reduces diverse behavior identification, and undermines reliability in detecting new threats,” the authors explain.

Transfer learning allows the AI to apply knowledge gained from analyzing millions of general images to the specific task of spotting ransomware, all without needing an enormous dataset of malware samples.

The research team found that a model called ‘ResNet50’ was exceptionally good at analyzing these behavior-images.

Notably, the model reached an accuracy of 99.96% which made it highly effective at ransomware detection despite working with a small dataset.

To ensure the AI’s decisions were trustworthy and not based on random noise, the team used advanced visualization tools. They generated saliency maps, which confirmed that “the model focuses on structured behavior-encoded areas and confirms the class-specific pattern learning.”

This combination of near-perfect accuracy, the ability to work with small datasets, and a transparent decision-making process highlights the model’s potential for practical deployment

OpenAI To Build Massive Data Center In India - 2

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OpenAI To Build Massive Data Center In India

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

OpenAI is reportedly planning to build a 1-gigawatt data center in India as part of its expansion efforts, according to sources familiar with the matter. The company has been scouting local partners to set up the infrastructure.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • OpenAI is reportedly planning to build a 1-gigawatt data center in India.
  • Anonymous sources said the company has been scouting local partners to set up the infrastructure.
  • The data centers will be part of OpenAI’s Stargate program.

According to Bloomberg , the initiative is part of the ambitious Stargate project and reflects the strong potential OpenAI sees in the country. Anonymous sources familiar with the matter confirmed that OpenAI is seeking partnerships with Indian firms for the venture.

Bloomberg reported that Microsoft and Google have already been building similar facilities to tap into India’s AI market. Now, OpenAI is joining the trend with a Stargate expansion, following the establishment of data centers in the United States and other regions.

Just a few days ago, OpenAI launched an affordable $4.60 subscription plan exclusively for the Indian market, which includes expanded access to GPT-5, the company’s latest and most advanced AI model.

Since February, OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has shown increasing interest in India. He met with Indian IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss market opportunities, as India is OpenAI’s second-largest market by user base.

According to Reuters , OpenAI announced in August that it wants to build its first India office in New Delhi later this year. The firm has already registered a legal entity and begun building a local team.

The location and timeline for the new data center remain undisclosed but could be revealed during Altman’s upcoming visit to the country later this month.

The Stargate program for the U.S. was announced along with the White House, Softbank, and Oracle in January this year. The joint venture, valued at up to $500 billion, aims to build large-scale AI infrastructure in Texas over the next four years.

A few weeks ago, Aker and Nscale announced another joint venture with OpenAI to build the largest AI facility in Europe, called Stargate. Powered by renewable energy, the European data center is expected to deliver 230 MW.