Hackers are quickly adapting to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems like ChatGPT and Google Bard to code malware, which can trick unsuspecting users. It is a worrying trend for Europol and specialists, who have found that it is relatively easy to produce undetectable malware with the help of ChatGPT.
Despite the OpenAI-built protections on large language models, cybercriminals still find other ways to utilize AI to launch attacks. To ensure that end-users do not become victims of malware distributed through ChatGPT or Google Bard, it is important to be vigilant when it comes to downloading any apps or extensions claiming to be of the AI service.
YouTuber John Hammond showcased the variety of ChatGPT extensions and apps currently available, which Guardio’s report has linked to malware distribution. Access to these malicious apps could result in theft of user data, hijacked Facebook accounts with ads charged off the user’s own money, and the deployment of fake Facebook apps.
To exacerbate the issue, OpenAI has not created specialized ChatGPT apps for different operating systems – they are available on every device through web browsers. It also lacks Google Bard apps; despite the lack of an audience, malicious actors still find it useful to create fake apps.
Verity’s research further highlights the need for protection – malware malware-as-a-service software, RedLine Stealer, can be easily purchased for only $150 and unsuspecting users can be misled into downloading fake ChatGPT or Google Bard apps from a sponsored post or Facebook page, only resulting in their data stolen through the malware.
The risk of such attacks is real. To protect users against malicious individuals, it is important to not download ChatGPT or Google Bard apps that appear suspicious. Do your own research on the company behind specifics apps or extensions and avoid any apps advertised via Facebook. Additionally, ensure that a good antivirus system is in place and the latest security patches have been installed.
John Hammond, who shared the video of existing ChatGPT apps, is an experienced cyber security and blockchain professor at College of Information Technology in Australia. He has frequently given lectures on cyber security and conducted workshops to help individuals who are interested in learning more about internet security.
OpenAI, the company responsible for the development of ChatGPT, is a San Francisco-based non-profit AI research laboratory owned by Microsoft, Google, and various venture capitalists. OpenAI is widely credited with being the forefront of theory on artificial general intelligence (AGI). OpenAI has also pioneered generative AI services like ChatGPT; a large-scale unsupervised language model, which can be used to generate text and other AI-based content.
