ChatGPT already feared to be behind multiple cyberattacks

IT leaders are fearful that ChatGPT, the immediately well-known AI-powered chatbot, is already being utilized by state-sponsored risk actors when crafting cyberattacks. 

A report from BlackBerry, which polled 500 IT decision-makers within the UK on their views of the revolutionary tech, discovered over three-quarters (76%) consider overseas states are already utilizing ChatGPT of their cyber-warfare campaigns in opposition to different nations. Almost half (48%) consider 2023 is the yr once we’ll be ready to credit score the expertise with a profitable cyberattack.

While this may sound like a typical case of rage in opposition to the machine, it’s removed from it. Most respondents (60%) nonetheless see the tech as being put to use for “good” functions, however on the identical time 72% fear about potential misuse.

Improved phishing emails

They’re largely afraid of cybercriminals utilizing the AI-powered chatbot to craft plausible phishing emails (57%), enhance the sophistication of their assaults (51%) and speed up new social engineering assaults (49%). Another 49% consider ChatGPT might be leveraged to unfold misinformation, whereas 47% see it as instrument for hackers to acquire new abilities and enhance. 

But if AI can be utilized in offense, it may possibly be utilized in protection, too. That’s why nearly 4 in 5 (78%) of the respondents plan on investing in AI-powered cybersecurity within the subsequent two years, with 44% planning on doing so this yr. Almost all (88%) anticipate the federal government to step in and regulate the usage of the tech, too. 

“It’s been well documented that people with malicious intent are testing the waters but, over the course of this year, we expect to see hackers get a much better handle on how to use ChatGPT successfully for nefarious purposes; whether as a tool to write better mutable malware (opens in new tab) or as an enabler to bolster their ‘skillset’,” commented Shishir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Cybersecurity at BlackBerry. 

“Both cyber pros and hackers will continue to look into how they can utilize it best. Time will tell who’s more effective.” 

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