Meta Security Team Considers AI and ChatGPT Latest Vectors for Malware

According to Meta’s security researchers, the flocking of ‘bad actors’ to generative AI is attributed to the most current technology to capture an individual’s enthusiasm and imagination. The researchers also state that AI tools, for instance, ChatGPT, are some of the newest means for ‘bad actors’ involved in distributing spam, scam, and malware. 

ChatGPT Offers Disguised Channel to Distribute Malware

According to May 1 research report by Meta’s security personnel established, 10 malware families posed as ChatGPT as well as similar AI tools in March. Additionally, some of the malware were found in many browser extensions. Specifically, the report showed that from March, the organization’s security analysts found various AI tools affecting accounts on the internet. 

According to Meta, the ‘bad actors’ have shifted to artificial intelligence owing to its up-to-date wave that captures people’s excitement and imagination. Examples of these actors include scammers, malware operators, and spammers. 

Malicious Browser Extensions Disguised as ChatGPT-linked Tools

This research arises amidst a significant interest in AI. In particular, ChatGPT has captured much of the attention associated with artificial intelligence. For instance, the report showed that threat actors develop malicious browser extensions found in official web stores claiming to provide ChatGPT-associated tools. 

Besides, Meta Security claimed that some malicious extensions entailed operations with ChatGPT functionality. These operations co-occurred along with the malware.

Afterward, the organization’s security team elaborated on the bad actors’ tendencies to shift to the presence of the latest craze. Specifically, it referenced the publicity concerning digital currency as well as the scams associated with it. 

Exercise Caution When Using Generative AI

The situation is familiar to the generative artificial intelligence space since it has already been witnessed in several topics. A good example entails crypto scams evoked by the huge interest in digital currency. As such, the researchers suggest that all stakeholders remain watchful. 

In a recent interview with Reuters, Meta’s chief security officer (CSO), Guy Rosen, further stated that ChatGPT is the bad actors’ new crypto. Nevertheless, Meta must be progressing in generative artificial intelligence.

It is creating several forms of technology to enhance its supplemented and artificial reality technologies. Lastly, Mark Zuckerberg states that despite the heavy investment in Metaverse, artificial intelligence is presently Meta’s biggest investment.

Japanese Experts Concern Over ChatGPT Vulnerability to Write Malicious Code

Cybersecurity experts in Japan warned in April that cybercriminals could leverage AI into writing code supporting malicious software applications. In particular, they warned that tricking ChatGPT could facilitate the exploit by making it respond as if in developer mode. 

The discovery of such vulnerability highlights how easily criminals can circumvent the safeguards deployed by AI developers. By doing so, the criminals can exploit the AI generative potential to fulfill their unethical objectives.  

Besides the concern over the AI chatbot’s popularity, the capability of AI to aid more crime is prompting leaders to debate its vulnerability during international forums such as the upcoming G7 summit in Hiroshima. 

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