MI5 Announces An AI Threat Assessment Centre, Warns Of AI-Enabled Terrorism

MI5 has launched an AI Threat Assessment Centre after seeing terrorists use AI for reconnaissance and attacks.

In his annual threat update in London on October 13, MI5 Director General Sir Ken McCallum announced the Centre, which will work with the AI Security Institute, the NCSC and the NCA. Terrorists are using AI to improve reconnaissance and attacks, including AI-enabled drones, and he flagged that AI could generate novel pathogens. He also cited a suspected Iran-linked plot with 20 arrests on September 27.

Reported by: Cybernews

Norm's Take

Terrorists are using AI to scout targets. Have you scouted yourself?

Before the new reporting expectations arrive, run:

  1. An AI-assisted recon testAsk what an attacker using AI could learn about your sites, staff and systems.
  2. A legacy-systems auditBanking, energy, supply chain and manufacturing systems were built for simpler times.
  3. A reporting line to the stateDecide who reports AI-enabled threats, and to whom, before it is required.

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Analysis and opinion, not investment or legal advice. © 2026 Norm E. Murray. All Rights Reserved.

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Norm E. Murray, AI Leadership Advisor
About the author
Norm E. Murray
AI Leadership Advisor · Psychologist · Economist
Norm advises CEOs, boards and senior leaders on the psychology and economics of AI adoption: what AI does to leaders and organizations, not just what it does. He has led global businesses across multiple continents and writes The Norm Report for executives navigating the AI shift.
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Norm’s Edge is analysis and opinion intended for senior executive and board-level audiences. It does not constitute legal, financial, investment, compliance or regulatory advice. Stories are drawn from third-party reporting that may be unconfirmed. Readers should seek independent professional counsel before making decisions based on any content published here. Norm E. Murray does not accept any liability for actions taken in reliance on this analysis.

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