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On July 24, 2024
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[1]
Rise of dark AI: Malicious LLMs like FraudGPT, WormGPT the new frontier of online threats! How can we stay safe? | Business Insider India
Melbourne, Jul 24 (The Conversation) The internet, a vast and indispensable resource for modern society, has a darker side where malicious activities thrive. From identity theft to sophisticated , keep coming up with new scam methods. Widely available generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools have now added a new layer of complexity to the landscape, through the rise of . Staying on top of your online security is more important than ever. One of the most sinister adaptations of current AI is the creation of "dark LLMs" (large language models). These uncensored versions of everyday AI systems like ChatGPT are re-engineered for criminal activities. They operate without ethical constraints and with alarming precision and speed. Cyber criminals deploy dark LLMs to automate and enhance , create sophisticated malware and generate scam content. To achieve this, they engage in LLM "jailbreaking" - using prompts to get the model to bypass its built-in safeguards and filters. For instance, writes malicious code, creates phishing pages and generates undetectable malware. It offers tools for orchestrating diverse cybercrimes, from credit card fraud to digital impersonation. FraudGPT is advertised on the dark web and the encrypted messaging app Telegram. Its creator openly markets its capabilities, emphasising the model's criminal focus. Another version, , produces persuasive phishing emails that can trick even vigilant users. Based on the GPT-J model, WormGPT is also used for creating malware and launching "business email compromise" attacks - targeted phishing of specific organisations. Despite the looming threats, there is a silver lining. As the challenges have advanced, so have the ways we can defend against them. AI-based threat detection tools can monitor malware and respond to cyber attacks more effectively. However, humans need to stay in the mix to keep an eye on how these tools respond, what actions they take, and whether there are vulnerabilities to fix. You may have heard keeping your software up to date is crucial for security. It might feel like a chore, but it really is a critical defence strategy. Updates patch up the vulnerabilities that cyber criminals try to exploit. Are your files and data regularly backed up? It's not just about preserving files in case of a system failure. Regular backups are a fundamental protection strategy. You can reclaim your digital life without caving to extortion if you are targeted by a ransomware attack - when criminals lock up your data and demand a ransom payment before they release it. Cyber criminals who send phishing messages can leave clues like poor grammar, generic greetings, suspicious email addresses, overly urgent requests or suspicious links. Developing an eye for these signs is as essential as locking your door at night. If you don't already use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication, it's time to do so. This combination multiplies your security, making it dramatically more difficult for criminals to access your accounts. Our online existence will continue to intertwine with emerging technologies like AI. We can expect more sophisticated cyber crime tools to emerge, too. Malicious AI will enhance phishing, create sophisticated malware and improve data mining for targeted attacks. AI-driven hacking tools will become widely available and customisable. In response, cyber security will have to adapt, too. We can expect automated threat hunting, quantum-resistant encryption, AI tools that help to preserve privacy, stricter regulations and international cooperation. Stricter government regulations on AI are one way to counter these advanced threats. This would involve mandating the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring they are equipped with robust security features and adhere to stringent standards. In addition to tighter regulations, we also need to improve how organisations respond to cyber incidents and what mechanisms there are for mandatory reporting and public disclosure. By requiring companies to promptly report cyber incidents, authorities can act swiftly. They can mobilise resources to address breaches before they escalate into major crises. This proactive approach can significantly mitigate the impact of cyber attacks, preserving both public trust and corporate integrity. Furthermore, cyber crime knows no borders. In the era of AI-powered cyber crime, international collaboration is essential. Effective global cooperation can streamline how authorities track and prosecute cyber criminals, creating a unified front against cyber threats. As AI-powered malware proliferates, we're at a critical junction in the global tech journey: we need to balance innovation (new AI tools, new features, more data) with security and privacy. Overall, it's best to be proactive about your own online security. That way you can stay one step ahead in the ever-evolving cyber battleground.
[2]
FraudGPT and other malicious AIs are the new frontier of online threats. What can we do?
Melbourne, The internet, a vast and indispensable resource for modern society, has a darker side where malicious activities thrive. From identity theft to sophisticated malware attacks, cyber criminals keep coming up with new scam methods. Widely available generative artificial intelligence tools have now added a new layer of complexity to the cyber security landscape. Staying on top of your online security is more important than ever. The rise of dark LLMs One of the most sinister adaptations of current AI is the creation of "dark LLMs" . These uncensored versions of everyday AI systems like ChatGPT are re-engineered for criminal activities. They operate without ethical constraints and with alarming precision and speed. Cyber criminals deploy dark LLMs to automate and enhance phishing campaigns, create sophisticated malware and generate scam content. To achieve this, they engage in LLM "jailbreaking" - using prompts to get the model to bypass its built-in safeguards and filters. For instance, FraudGPT writes malicious code, creates phishing pages and generates undetectable malware. It offers tools for orchestrating diverse cybercrimes, from credit card fraud to digital impersonation. FraudGPT is advertised on the dark web and the encrypted messaging app Telegram. Its creator openly markets its capabilities, emphasising the model's criminal focus. Another version, WormGPT, produces persuasive phishing emails that can trick even vigilant users. Based on the GPT-J model, WormGPT is also used for creating malware and launching "business email compromise" attacks - targeted phishing of specific organisations. What can we do to protect ourselves? Despite the looming threats, there is a silver lining. As the challenges have advanced, so have the ways we can defend against them. AI-based threat detection tools can monitor malware and respond to cyber attacks more effectively. However, humans need to stay in the mix to keep an eye on how these tools respond, what actions they take, and whether there are vulnerabilities to fix. You may have heard keeping your software up to date is crucial for security. It might feel like a chore, but it really is a critical defence strategy. Updates patch up the vulnerabilities that cyber criminals try to exploit. Are your files and data regularly backed up? It's not just about preserving files in case of a system failure. Regular backups are a fundamental protection strategy. You can reclaim your digital life without caving to extortion if you are targeted by a ransomware attack - when criminals lock up your data and demand a ransom payment before they release it. Cyber criminals who send phishing messages can leave clues like poor grammar, generic greetings, suspicious email addresses, overly urgent requests or suspicious links. Developing an eye for these signs is as essential as locking your door at night. If you don't already use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication, it's time to do so. This combination multiplies your security, making it dramatically more difficult for criminals to access your accounts. What can we expect in the future? Our online existence will continue to intertwine with emerging technologies like AI. We can expect more sophisticated cyber crime tools to emerge, too. Malicious AI will enhance phishing, create sophisticated malware and improve data mining for targeted attacks. AI-driven hacking tools will become widely available and customisable. In response, cyber security will have to adapt, too. We can expect automated threat hunting, quantum-resistant encryption, AI tools that help to preserve privacy, stricter regulations and international cooperation. The role of government regulations Stricter government regulations on AI are one way to counter these advanced threats. This would involve mandating the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring they are equipped with robust security features and adhere to stringent standards. In addition to tighter regulations, we also need to improve how organisations respond to cyber incidents and what mechanisms there are for mandatory reporting and public disclosure. By requiring companies to promptly report cyber incidents, authorities can act swiftly. They can mobilise resources to address breaches before they escalate into major crises. This proactive approach can significantly mitigate the impact of cyber attacks, preserving both public trust and corporate integrity. Furthermore, cyber crime knows no borders. In the era of AI-powered cyber crime, international collaboration is essential. Effective global cooperation can streamline how authorities track and prosecute cyber criminals, creating a unified front against cyber threats. As AI-powered malware proliferates, we're at a critical junction in the global tech journey: we need to balance innovation with security and privacy. Overall, it's best to be proactive about your own online security. That way you can stay one step ahead in the ever-evolving cyber battleground. GRS GRS
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Malicious AI models like FraudGPT and WormGPT are becoming the latest tools for cybercriminals, posing significant risks to online security. These AI systems are being used to create sophisticated phishing emails, malware, and other cyber threats.
In recent months, the cybersecurity landscape has witnessed a disturbing trend with the rise of so-called "Dark AI" or malicious large language models (LLMs). Two notable examples, FraudGPT and WormGPT, have emerged as powerful tools in the hands of cybercriminals, presenting a new frontier of online threats 1.
These AI models are designed specifically for nefarious purposes. FraudGPT, for instance, can generate convincing phishing emails, create malware code, and even craft entire scam websites. WormGPT, on the other hand, specializes in creating business email compromise (BEC) attacks, which can lead to significant financial losses for targeted organizations 2.
What makes these AI tools particularly concerning is their accessibility. FraudGPT is available on the dark web for a monthly subscription of $200, while WormGPT can be purchased for just $1,000. This relatively low barrier to entry means that even less sophisticated cybercriminals can now leverage advanced AI capabilities for their attacks 1.
The advent of these malicious AI models has significantly raised the stakes in the cybersecurity arena. Traditional security measures may struggle to keep pace with the sophisticated and rapidly evolving threats posed by AI-powered attacks. Cybersecurity experts warn that we may see a surge in more convincing phishing attempts, more complex malware, and more targeted social engineering attacks 2.
In response to these emerging threats, cybersecurity professionals are advocating for a multi-pronged approach:
Enhanced AI-powered defense systems: Developing and deploying AI models that can detect and counteract AI-generated threats.
Improved user education: Raising awareness about the sophistication of AI-generated phishing attempts and teaching users to be more vigilant.
Stricter regulations: Calling for more robust legal frameworks to govern the development and use of AI technologies 1.
As the battle between malicious AI and defensive measures intensifies, the cybersecurity landscape is likely to become increasingly complex. Organizations and individuals alike must stay informed about these evolving threats and adopt a proactive stance in protecting their digital assets. The rise of Dark AI underscores the need for continuous innovation in cybersecurity strategies and technologies to keep pace with this new breed of AI-powered threats 2.
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