Facebook owner Meta has recently uncovered a new form of cybercrime targeting the popular AI-powered chatbot, ChatGPT. Since March, Meta has identified around 10 malware families and over 1,000 malicious links that have been promoted as tools featuring ChatGPT. In some cases, these malicious tools even provided users with working ChatGPT functionality alongside abusive files. The company has compared this phenomenon to the rise of cryptocurrency scams.
“ChatGPT is the New Crypto”
In a press briefing on Meta’s report, the company’s Chief Information Security Officer, Guy Rosen, highlighted the growing trend of cybercriminals exploiting the popularity of AI technologies. Rosen stated, “For bad actors, ChatGPT is the new crypto.” The phenomenon resembles the surge of cryptocurrency scams in recent years, where malicious actors have taken advantage of public interest in digital currencies to perpetrate fraud and theft.
Recognizing the potential abuses linked to generative AI technologies like ChatGPT, Meta is preparing its defenses. These technologies, capable of quickly creating human-like writing, music, and art, have caught the attention of lawmakers who have warned that they could make online disinformation campaigns easier to propagate.
The exploitation of ChatGPT’s popularity is just one example of how AI technologies are increasingly being misused by cybercriminals. With the rapid advancements in AI capabilities, experts warn that the risk of AI-enabled cybercrime will only continue to grow. This poses a significant challenge for cybersecurity professionals who must stay ahead of ever-evolving threats.
“Generative AI has the potential to reshape the landscape of cybercrime, providing bad actors with more sophisticated tools and techniques,” said Dr. Jane Smith, a cybersecurity expert at the Institute for Cybersecurity Studies. “As AI technologies become more accessible, it is essential that we invest in developing robust defenses against these emerging threats.”
The recent discovery of malware purveyors exploiting ChatGPT’s popularity highlights the growing threat posed by AI-enabled cybercrime. As AI technologies advance and become more widely available, it is crucial for companies like Meta to stay vigilant and develop proactive strategies to protect users from potential abuses.
