ChatGPT and other AI tools like DALL-E Brandmark, and Moombeam are making waves all over the world with their easy-to-understand interface and detailed AI responses. Its massive database allows it to find solutions to problems and answers to questions is fast which can cut down time when working on a variety of projects. However, when new technology emerges, it's always a good idea to take a step back to look at the drawbacks, especially when it comes to how it can be used for weaponization in the cybercrime world. Crooks are always looking for new tools to use to scam people. Here are some of the AI-based cyber attacks you should be aware of.
Cybercrime is currently a human problem, which means criminals aren't trying to hack into your devices, but are focused on Social Engineered attacks that are designed to trick you into giving up your personal information. This can come in the form of an email from a co-working, your bank, or your cellular company. Even worse, since AI is designed to give you responses that appear to come from a human, those phishing scams that come in your inbox, by text message and even voice calls can be even harder for you to detect. Here's what you need to watch for.
Phishing emails and text messages. It's fairly easy to spot phishing attempt that appears on your devices because there is usually spelling and grammatical errors in these messages. If you get an email address from your financial institution or even from a family member, there's little chance it will be filled with misspellings. If criminals start to use AI like ChatGPT, you may not be able to tell the difference between a legit text or email message.
Impersonating Someone. AI tools like ChatGPT can create text in real people's vocal styles. If you were to ask an AI program to write text like any popular celebrity. Impersonation can come in the form of an email, text, or social media post. In business organizations, this could be devastating as key members of your company could have their writing style duplicated resulting in cyberattacks that could go undetected until it's too late.
Media misinformation. We live in a digital age where there has been a rise in social media journalism where it's hard to tell if the stories you see in your social media feed and certain websites are authentic or fake. Most of you probably see Chat GPT creating propaganda only, but sometimes fake information can lure you into a trap. If you saw a message from our current President, you might see it as a true statement. Same if you saw a story about a natural disaster in a foreign country. Now imagine both of these sources if you saw a link to send in donations or a form asking you to fill out a petition. You would likely believe it because it looks legitimate. Think of these scams like recent photos of the Pope in a puffy white coat.
Malware and Ransomware development. You'd be surprised to know that while there are some super-geniuses who develop the malicious code of malware and ransomware, there are a growing number of hobbyists who could turn to ChatGPT to help in the development of malicious code. Even worse, more experienced criminals could use ChatGPT to create a polymorphic virus, which could constantly change its code to avoid detection from anti-virus software and computer operating systems. Most ransomware is purchased on the dark web and currently can be easily detected. If criminals embraced AI for ransomware you could see new strains floating around on the Internet.
While the chances are low that AI tools will steal your data you need to be careful what information you share with any AI chatbot as people could be monitoring what information you're sharing, which could put your security and privacy. Never share your confidential information such as your name, address, login credentials, or financial information. In addition, use the following tips to keep safe and secure from AI-based cyber attacks.
Get GPT Zero. There is a new tool called GPT Zero which you can use to highlight sections of email and text messages that may be generated by an AI. It's not foolproof, but it may help you validate the authenticity of messages that come to you as well as websites that could contain fake information.
Fact-check all ChatGPT or AI content. Current AI tools are impressive with the information they generate, but remember these tools aren't always accurate. AI sometimes will offer incorrect or outdated answers that may appear convincing or relevant. That’s why you must fact-check the answers you get.
Always monitor your financial accounts. With social engineered attacks rising, you need to be vigilant to make sure you didn't accidentally give out your information. Same thing with companies who hold your data, as they may have staff that hands out your information to crooks.
The future of AI chatbots like ChatGPT is exciting. There is no doubt they will be included in your apps, voice assistants, search engines, and social media pages and will benefit all industries. While there is enormous potential, you need to be aware of how criminals can use this tool to improve their tactics.
Hopefully, this post has given you the information you need to help keep safe from AI-based attacks. If you need further assistance, please reach out to me with any questions you might have. I am always happy to help!
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