Google open sources file-identifying Magika AI for malware hunters and others

Google announced the open-sourcing of Magika, a machine-learning-powered file identifier used in Gmail, Google Drive, Chrome Safe Browsing, and VirusTotal, claiming higher accuracy and speed than rule-based methods, and released it under Apache 2.0 as part of its AI Cyber Defense Initiative. The initiative also includes partnerships with startups, expanded cybersecurity education programs, and research grants, positioning AI to help defenders rapidly identify file types and flag potentially malicious masquerading content.