ChatGPT — A New Dimension of Cyber Crime

Is OpenAI safe, or is it the beginning of a new threat?

This question revolves around our minds while opting for a new AI-enhanced tool. So, what exactly does ChatGPT bring to the table? Either ease of writing or designing marketing campaigns, nothing has escaped the clutches of this OpenAI software. But the question of safety stands still.

A survey across different companies in North America, Australia, and the UK has shown that around 53% of hackers use ChatGPT to create phishing e-mails, and 49% of hackers might improve their cyber-attacking skills using this OpenAI. Approximately 58% of attacks worldwide are concerned with credential theft through phishing.

What are Phishing E-mails?

The first step of a cyber attack is to steal sensitive information. While attempting a phishing attack, the hacker pretends to be part of a legitimate organization and connects to the target via e-mail messages, external links, or advertisements. The aim is to lure the prey into providing usernames, passwords, credit card details, or other valuable information.

Phishing Scams — Easier than Ever!

ChatGPT is known for its effective (human-like) writing. Remember, it takes simple instructions to formulate professional business materials or a perfect cybercrime.

Phishing is the most common and frequent cyber attack. Earlier phishing scams contained poor grammar, spelling errors, and incorrect sentence structures. But now, ChatGPT has aided phishing with a more sophisticated approach by providing attackers with enough fluency in English to make their stance sound legitimate.

Malicious Coding at Peak

Since its introduction, ChatGPT has become a recognized tool in hacking forums. Every coder is aware of the assistance provided by ChatGPT in development, but did you know it has contributed its share in creating malware?

A threat, “ChatGPT — Benefits of Malware,” stole highlights in December 2022. This malware contained a Python code that detects common file types, copies them in the Temp folder, zips them up, and uploads them to the FTP server. Hackers use this technique to steal information and upload it on the web.

Fabricating Encryption/Decryption Tools

What seems impossible can be made possible with the help of correct coding! 2022 has been the introductory period of ChatGPT to many. Some used this OpenAI to aid their businesses, while others used it for malicious activities.

Have you ever thought how easy it is to upload an incomplete code to ChatGPT and enter a command of fabricating it as your needs? Just a spoiler: Cybercriminals have done that already! Today, ChatGPT can create encryption/decryption tools targeting any organization carrying sensitive information.

Interconnection Between Dark Web and ChatGPT

The hottest topic of all time — the Dark Web, has become an easy target. It’s still hard to believe what a piece of code can do, from a small management system to an underground illegitimate dark platform.

When the advanced knowledge of ChatGPT is merged with a criminal mind, forging scripts of a new dark web marketplace or creating illicit content is child’s play. Despite the brilliance behind the idea, no one can justify crimes.

Conclusion

Despite the numerous advantages we have read or heard about ChatGPT, remember it remains a technology. Our use defines something as good or bad. Where we can use ChatGPT for our marketing campaigns, hackers might use it for fraudulent activities.

Cybercrimes have indeed shown a significant rise with the advent of ChatGPT. Where cyber security tends to take precautions, cybercriminals stay ten steps ahead.

Comment below and share your insight on ChatGPT’s assistance on cybercrimes.