As artificial intelligence (AI) technology advances, so do the potential risks it poses. One area of concern is the use of AI-powered text generators, such as ChatGPT, in phishing and social engineering attacks.
Phishing and social engineering attacks are tactics cybercriminals use to trick people into giving away sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security. Traditionally, these attacks involve emails or messages that appear to come from a legitimate source, such as a bank or an employer but are actually fake.
With the rise of AI-powered text generators, cybercriminals can now create even more convincing phishing and social engineering messages. ChatGPT, for example, is a language model that can generate text that is difficult to distinguish from human-written messages.
According to a report by cybersecurity firm Barracuda Networks, the use of AI in phishing attacks increased by 400% between 2018 and 2020. This is due in part to the fact that AI-powered text generators like ChatGPT can create messages that are difficult to distinguish from those written by humans.
These AI-generated messages can be used to manipulate people into clicking on malicious links, downloading malware, or giving away sensitive information. For example, a cybercriminal could use an AI-generated message that appears to come from a colleague or manager, asking the recipient to download a file or enter login credentials.
To protect yourself from these types of attacks, it’s important to be vigilant when receiving messages, particularly if they are unexpected or appear to be urgent. Look for signs that the message may not be legitimate, such as spelling errors or unusual language. Don’t click on links or download files unless you are certain they are safe, and never enter sensitive information into a form or website that you are not sure is legitimate.
It’s also essential to use security software, such as antivirus and antimalware programs, to help detect and prevent phishing and social engineering attacks. And remember, if you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a message, always err on the side of caution and verify the sender’s identity through a different means of communication, such as a phone call or in-person conversation. By staying vigilant and using security software, we can help protect ourselves and our sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.