ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that is free to use on the developer’s website, has sparked curiosity among computer security experts. A person with minimal resources and no technical skills can exploit GPT-3’s ChatGPT, the AI behind this tool, to launch cyberattacks without any prior knowledge of cybersecurity.
Researchers from Check Point, a computer security firm based in Israel, have identified the potential dangers of this technology. Eusebio Nieva, the company’s technical director, warns of the malicious capabilities to be gained from ChatGPT and Codex, an AI model that can identify natural language and produce code. He states that these two models represent a risky step forward in the creation of ever more advanced cybersecurity threats.
To demonstrate the harm that these AIs are causing, Check Point used ChatGPT to create a fake email that contained a malicious Excel file with the capability to download reverse shells. This was designed to connect to another system and transfer the network connection to the attacker. To add to this, Codex developed the malicious code needed to make multiple requests to the targeted system’s operating system. As a result, the researchers from the cybersecurity firm were able to prove the dangerous potential of ChatGPT and Codex.
The simple access to such tools and the lack of prior knowledge required to use this AI raises concerns about the safety of online users. In order to protect the population, experts advise businesses, organizations, and individuals to be informed about the risks of this advanced AI and implement corresponding preventative measures. It is essential for developers, cybersecurity stakeholders, and AI engineer to combine their knowledge and collaborate in order to ensure a secure digital experience.
Check Point is a cybersecurity company based in Israel that was founded in 1993. The company is well-known for creating a wide range of high-quality software and services dedicated to protecting users from all shapes of cyber threats.
Eusebio Nieva is the technical director of Check Point and a renowned expert in the IT and computer security field. He specializes in advising, designing and creating tailored security solutions for companies and organizations.
