How Hackers Are Using ChatGPT and Other AI to Write Malware

As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented rate, new forms of cyberthreats are emerging. Now, that includes the use ChatGPT and other AI-powered malware, a type of malicious software developed with the aid of artificial intelligence.

Framing threat actors as dark developers, it only goes to reason that they would look to harness the capability of AI to eliminate delays in workflows, accelerate their processes, and yes, even use AI to help them create stronger, more devastating, and stealthier cyberattacks.

Let’s take a look at what we know so far about the use of ChatGPT and other AI programs in creating malware.

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How Hackers Are Using ChatGPT to Write Malware

One of the most dangerous aspects of ChatGPT malware is that it can be used in a huge variety of ways by cybercriminals.

First off, AI-powered tools like ChatGPT have the ability to generate human-like text, making it an attractive tool for cybercriminals looking to create more convincing phishing emails, scam messages, and other types of social engineering attacks.

But it's not just being used for these types of attacks. Hackers are also leveraging ChatGPT's capabilities to write malware that can evade detection by traditional antivirus software.

Not only this, but threat actors and ethical hackers alike can use ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence models to refine malware, look for flaws in their code, or even tailor code to attack a specific system or defense mechanism.

Detailing ChatGPT Malware Generation Techniques

There are several ways in which hackers are currently using ChatGPT to create malware.

One common method involves using it to generate obfuscated code, which is code that is intentionally designed to be difficult to understand or analyze. By generating code that is difficult to interpret, it’s more challenging for antivirus software to detect and block the malware.

Another technique that hackers are using is to generate malware that is specifically tailored to the target system. ChatGPT can analyze system logs, configuration files, and other types of data to create malware that is uniquely suited to a particular system or network. This makes it more difficult for traditional antivirus software to detect and block the malware.

For example, the image below shows how one of our white hat hackers, Nathan Golick used ChatGPT to develop a function to specifically extract data from a Windows file while bypassing antivirus software.

Cybercriminals are also using ChatGPT to automate the process of creating malware. Instead of manually writing code, hackers can use ChatGPT to generate large volumes of code in a short amount of time, allowing them to create more sophisticated and targeted attacks.

The same can be said for phishing and email scams, too. ChatGPT can quickly write hundreds of emails tailored to audiences with just a small brief.

5 Ways to Protect Against ChatGPT and AI Malware

While ChatGPT-generated malware poses a serious threat, there are several steps that individuals and organizations can take to protect themselves.

Here are some best practices for defending against these types of attacks:

1. Keep Software Up to Date: It's essential to keep all software and operating systems up to date with the latest security patches and updates. These updates often contain critical security fixes that protect against known vulnerabilities. Without updating, cybercriminals can exploit known vulnerabilities and quickly get past any defenses in place.

2. Use Strong Passwords (and Password Managers): Weak passwords can make it easier for hackers to gain access to your accounts and systems. Use strong, unique passwords for each account, and consider using a password manager to store them securely.

3. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication: Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring another form of verification in addition to a password. This additional authentication can be codes generated by third-party apps (like Microsoft Authenticator), biometrics (like fingerprints or face scans), actual devices that contain access codes, and more.

4. Provide Consistent, Updated Employee Awareness Training: ChatGPT-generated phishing emails can be difficult to detect, but there are often telltale signs such as spelling errors, unusual requests, and suspicious links or attachments. Help your employees stay safe by educating them on what to look for.

5. Find a Cybersecurity Partner: Staying secure against ever-evolving threats is time-consuming and requires a lot of experience and expertise. If your business has a small or non-existent security team, partnering with a managed security services provider (MSSP) like DOT Security can be a great way to get access to the tools and guidance you need to stay protected.

Key Takeaways about ChatGPT Malware and Staying Protected

• Hackers are now using ChatGPT to quickly generate malware, phishing emails, and other scams that can be difficult to detect and mitigate
• To protect against ChatGPT-generated malware, individuals and organizations should implement best practices such as keeping software up to date, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication and investing in robust cybersecurity solutions
• Partnering with an MSSP can get businesses of all sizes to access to enterprise-level security teams made up of experts in all fields of cybersecurity

Wrapping Up on AI Powered Malware

The use of ChatGPT by hackers to generate malware poses a serious threat to individuals and organizations. The ability to create sophisticated, human-like language makes it easier for hackers to deceive unsuspecting users and write malware code that can bypass traditional security measures.

To protect against these threats, it's essential to take proactive steps such as keeping software up to date, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, being cautious of suspicious emails, and investing in robust cybersecurity solutions or cybersecurity partners.

As the use of AI and natural language processing continues to grow, it's likely that we'll see more instances of ChatGPT-generated malware in the future. By staying vigilant and following best practices for cybersecurity, we can help ensure that we stay one step ahead of these threats and protect our valuable data and systems.

Want to see how vulnerable or protected your business is from modern threats? Download our checklist, How Covered is Your Business? to see everything that your company needs to stay secure.