Security researchers report that members of hacker forums are turning to the ChatGPT chatbot to craft phishing emails and even to generate malware. A widely cited Ars Technica article builds on a Check Point Research report to document how AI tools are being repurposed for digital crime.
What makes this development worrying is that some individuals deploying these AI tools do not have formal programming backgrounds. The barrier to entry is lower than ever, allowing nefarious actors to produce harmful code with minimal technical training and to tailor social engineering messages for broader reach.
One notable demonstration shows ChatGPT generating a Python script that could be refined into ransomware, enabling potential attackers to encrypt files on a victim’s computer. The ability to translate a natural language prompt into functional malware code raises questions about safe usage, guardrails, and the potential for rapid escalation in cyber threats.
In a controlled experiment, researchers at Check Point Research prompted ChatGPT to compose what they described as a convincing phishing email. The message claimed the target’s account had been banned, prompting the recipient to open an attached file that concealed a VBA macro created by the AI itself. The study underscores how AI-generated content can be used to bypass skepticism and deception barriers in digital communications.
These findings align with broader concerns about AI-enabled cybercrime and highlight the evolving landscape for cybersecurity in the United States and Canada. Analysts emphasize the need for robust user education, improved email authentication, and defenses that can detect AI-assisted social engineering. The takeaway is clear: as AI becomes more accessible, defensive strategies must advance in tandem to protect individuals and organizations from realistic, AI-driven threats. (Citation: Check Point Research) — (Source: Ars Technica reporting on Check Point Research findings)”