 |
| Report: Hackers are using ChatGPT to write malware |
Information security researchers have warned that the popular chatbot (ChatGPT) has become a target for cybercriminals to write malware.
Check Point Research notes that criminals are exploiting the tool, which uses artificial intelligence techniques to create scripts to promote malware and ransomware, sometimes writing them from scratch.
In publishing their findings, the team said they found numerous posts on underground hacking forums where cybercriminals were discussing creating information-stealing tools, cryptography, and other malware using ChatGPT.
To make matters worse, the team warned that some users were complete newbies to the world of programming and suggested the tool could be used to lure anyone into the world of cybercrime.
Besides creating malware and ransomware, cybercriminals use AI chatbots to create software to assist them in their cyberattacks.
One hacker described using the tool to create a marketplace where other hackers could trade illegal and stolen goods such as payment data and malware, as well as drugs and weapons. All payments on the platform are made in cryptocurrency.
"Cybercriminals see ChatGPT as an attractive tool," said Sergey Chekevich, Director of the Threat Intelligence Group at Check Point Research. In the past few weeks, we've seen evidence that hackers have started writing malicious code. "ChatGPT has the potential to speed up the hacking process by giving hackers a good starting point," he added.
It is believed that ChatGPT can not only help developers write code, but also can be used for malicious purposes.
Although the tools analyzed in the report are rudimentary, it is only a matter of time before more sophisticated hackers increase their use of AI-based tools.
It should be noted that (ChatGPT) is a chatbot that uses artificial intelligence and the company (OpenAI) recently released a beta version for everyone. Since its inception, the tool's capabilities have attracted a lot of attention, but also some concerns.
Some outlets have even discussed the future of tools like ChatGPT and its potential to end the dominance of big tech companies like Google and its ability to drive developers out.