Microsoft says its new system could eventually detect new types of malware directly in computer memory, helping stop threats faster and on a larger scale.

Although Project Ire is a prototype, Microsoft says the 'AI agent' can (in some cases) reverse engineer any type of software on its own to determine if it's malicious.

Microsoft unveiled a prototype for a new, fully autonomous AI agent today that can automate the biggest hurdles in detecting malware. Why it matters: The tool is a breakthrough for cyber defenders, who spend hours studying and assessing suspicious files on their networks.