A graphical image of a chat bot on a mobile device.

ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool driven by AI technology that allows you to have human-like conversations and much more with a chatbot. The language model can answer questions, and assist you with tasks such as composing emails, essays, and code. This tool is a huge step towards achieving Artificial Intelligence and successful language modelling. While there are many benefits to using this tool, there are many hidden risks that it has also caused.

Malware Creation

ChatGPT allows users with zero coding skills to become a developer. Check Point Research (CPR) has observed the tool being used to create and improve malware and ransomware. Numerous posts have been spotted on popular hacking forums from cybercriminals discussing infostealers, encryption tools, and other malware – with the help of ChatGPT. This tool drastically lowers the barrier to becoming a cybercriminal.

Sensitive Business Data Concerns

Researchers from Cyberhaven Labs have analysed the use of ChatGPT by 1.6 million workers across different industries. It was found that 5.6% of these workers have used it in the workplace, and 4.9% have provided the tool with company data. ChatGPT uses data entered to build its knowledge base, this data is available to be shared publicly. This is a serious concern and can lead to a potential leak of company data.

Changing the Phishing Game

Attackers can use ChatGPT to generate realistic-sounding emails to trick their victims into believing the email is legitimate. One common method of recognising a phishing email is by analysing the grammar and comprehension of the email itself. Does the email make logical sense? Are there many spelling mistakes? Sergey Shykevich (threat intelligence group manager at Check Point Software Technologies) claims “phishing emails ChatGPT produces are much higher in quality than most of the emails that the hackers are generating today”. Unfortunately, due to this, we can expect a growth in phishing emails that do not have the tell-tale grammar and punctuation mistakes.

If you use ChatGPT for any purpose, please be cautious with the information you provide.

Sources:

CSO Online

Security Affairs

Tech Radar