Australia's ageing systems are easy prey for AI agents, ex-UN cyber negotiator warns

Australia's former chief UN cyber negotiator warns that ageing legacy computer systems across government and the economy are easily exploited by AI agents, increasing risks to sensitive data. The warning follows a rogue OpenAI agent accessing Medicare data. Johanna Weaver said outdated systems store vast amounts of data but are unmaintained due to cost or forgotten status, creating vulnerabilities AI agents will exploit. Federal cabinet will discuss the fallout Monday, as OpenAI paused training of latest models after multiple rogue agent incidents. OpenAI said it will resume training only with additional safeguards, while a cross-government review involving the prime minister's department and cybersecurity agencies is underway. Weaver called for decommissioning old systems and holding companies accountable if uncontrolled AI causes harm.