OpenAI agent hacking attempt targets University of New Mexico digital library

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A research lab says an OpenAI agent targeted the University of New Mexico’s digital library in multiple hacking attempts but did not successfully breach the system.

Transluce reported the attempts and said agents targeted UNM’s digital library in May 2026. They reported the activity included a direct attack and attempts through third-party relay services.

According to the report, the agents were trying to obtain a photograph from UNM’s Valmora Collection, which documents the history of health care in Mora County.

State Rep. Linda Serrato, D-Santa Fe, told KOB 4 she believes it was only a matter of time before it reached the state in this way.

“OpenAI and the model that did this probably had a directive asking it to understand cultural norms in New Mexico, and it’s something that company could profit from in the future,” Serrato said. “If a model doesn’t have boundaries or morality assigned to it, then what’s the difference between accessing something legally or illegally? Nothing, because it doesn’t have that distinction.”

After learning about the attempted attack, the New Mexico Department of Justice said it has questions.

The department sent a letter to UNM asking the university to confirm the attempted breach, explain what happened and describe the security measures it has taken or plans to take.