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27 Aug 2026
Hackers deployed an autonomous AI system to carry out cyberattacks on Taiwan, in what experts believe is the first known fully autonomous attack on government agencies. Thana Prasongsin/Moment RF/Getty Images
Taiwan Government Systems Targeted by Autonomous AI Cyberattack
Warm-up → Read & Listen → Check Understanding → Language → Use It
WARM UP
Think Ahead: Which detail do you think appears in this story?
a) Hackers used artificial intelligence agents to attack computer systems in Taiwan.
b) Robots physically entered government buildings to take paper documents.
c) Computer systems in schools were updated with exciting video games.
Ask:
(1) Have you ever used artificial intelligence to help you complete a task?
(2) Why is it important for computer systems to be secure and safe?
VOCABULARY
agent (/ˈeɪ.dʒənt/, noun)
Meaning: A computer program that acts independently to complete tasks.
Example: The smart software agent helped organize the computer files quickly.
attack (/əˈtæk/, noun)
Meaning: An attempt to hurt, damage, or break into something.
Example: The website stopped working after a cyber attack.
cybersecurity (/ˈsaɪ.bə.sɪˈkjʊə.rə.ti/, noun)
Meaning: Ways to keep computers and data safe from online threats.
Example: Good cybersecurity helps protect our private photos and passwords.
detect (/dɪˈtekt/, verb)
Meaning: To notice or discover something that is hidden.
Example: The safety alarm can detect smoke in the kitchen.
government (/ˈɡʌv.ən.mənt/, noun)
Meaning: The group of people who officially rule a country.
Example: The national government built a brand new public library.
network (/ˈnet.wɜːk/, noun)
Meaning: A group of connected computers that share information.
Example: All computers in the school are on the same network.
protect (/prəˈtekt/, verb)
Meaning: To keep someone or something safe from harm.
Example: You must protect your personal accounts with strong passwords.
In July 2026, computer experts discovered unusual activity in Taiwan. Overseas hackers tried to break into official computers. The hackers used artificial intelligence to help them. This was a special kind of cyberattack. They used small computer programs called AI agents. These smart agents worked together very fast to search for secret files.
Safety teams in Taiwan detected the problem quickly. They saw that the agents tried to enter government networks and energy company computers. The agents checked many different paths to find open doors. Experts said this technology made the attack fast and cheap to run.
Taiwan acted to protect its computer systems. They closed the safety gaps and added stronger monitoring. Experts said governments around the world must learn from this event. Today, cybersecurity teams are working hard to stop AI attacks before they start.
Listen
The logo of OpenClaw, an open-source AI assistant, is seen on the software's website in this photo illustration taken March 12, 2026. Florence Lo/Reuters
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
(1) Why is it important to keep government computer networks safe?
(2) How can artificial intelligence help people in their everyday lives?
(3) What should you do if your computer password stops working?
(4) How can people create strong passwords for their accounts?
(5) Do you think artificial intelligence will make computers safer or more dangerous?
FILL IN THE GAPS
FILL THE GAPS
Section 1: Fill in the Gaps
Word Bank: agents, cybersecurity, detect, government
In July 2026, computer experts discovered unusual activity in Taiwan. Overseas hackers tried to break into official computers. The hackers used artificial intelligence to help them. They used small computer programs called AI _______(1). Safety teams in Taiwan were able to _______(2) the unusual activity. They saw that the attackers tried to enter _______(3) networks. Taiwan acted quickly to improve its safety. Today, _______(4) teams are working hard to keep all systems secure.
Section 2: Main Idea
What is the main idea of the article?
a) Taiwan built new artificial intelligence robots for public schools.
b) Overseas hackers used smart AI agents to attack computer networks in Taiwan.
c) Computer experts recommend that everyone changes their mobile phone numbers.
UNDERSTANDING
Section 3: True or False
(1) The cyberattack took place in July 2026. T/F
(2) Hackers used physical robots to enter offices in Taiwan. T/F
(3) Taiwan improved its computer security after detecting the threat. T/F
Section 4: Put Events in Order
Put the following events in order from 1 to 3:
( ) Safety teams in Taiwan detected unusual computer activity.
( ) Hackers used AI agents to target official computer networks.
( ) Taiwan closed safety gaps to protect its computer systems.
LANGUAGE
Section 5: Vocab Match
(1) agent
(2) attack
(3) network
(4) detect
(5) protect
a) to keep someone or something safe
b) an attempt to cause damage or break into something
c) to notice or discover something hidden
d) a smart computer program that acts independently
e) a group of connected computers
USE IT
Section 6: Discussion Builder
(1) The expert tried to _______ the secret computer code.
a) detect
b) run
(2) We must _______ our personal information online.
a) protect
b) open
Section 7: Sentence Unscramble
(1) A: AI agents / B: used / C: Hackers / D: networks / E: to target
(2) A: systems / B: Taiwan / C: computer / D: protected / E: its
ANSWER KEY
Warm Up Answer: a
Section 1: (1) agents (2) detect (3) government (4) cybersecurity
Section 2: b
Section 3: (1) T (2) F (3) T
Section 4: 2, 1, 3
Section 5: (1) d, (2) b, (3) e, (4) c, (5) a
Section 6: (1) a, (2) a
Section 7: (1) C-B-A-E-D (Hackers used AI agents to target networks.), (2) B-D-E-C-A (Taiwan protected its computer systems.)
Section 8: Open-ended student discussion answers.
Thank you for your feedback!