Though some experienced hackers are skeptical about ChatGPT’s coding abilities, security researchers are discovering that malicious actors are exploiting this AI tool to craft malicious ransomware.

In one case, a threat actor created code that encrypts all files in a directory and demands ransom money to unlock them. Another cybercriminal used the tool to construct scripts running a dark web marketplace where they sold stolen account details, credit card info, malware, and more.

1. Run a Full System Scan

Since ChatGPT’s release at the end of November, security professionals have expressed concerns that criminals could use this generative AI tool to craft malicious code. Researchers at HackerOne have warned that attackers could utilize this AI to send phishing emails without needing technical expertise or programming knowledge. Without network traffic analysis it would be impossible to identify and analyze the traffic.

Security experts have observed a rise in malicious websites imitating ChatGPT, as well as malicious mobile apps on Google Play and third-party Android app stores. These phony sites are usually promoted by fraudulent ChatGPT Facebook accounts that attempt to obtain financial data such as credit card details, passwords, and private details from victims.

According to the report, these phishing sites distributed information-stealing malware such as Aurora, Lumma and RedLine as well as clipper programs. Furthermore, they hosted various other types of malicious software like Trojans and adware.

Another potential risk posed by fraudulent websites is the proliferation of polymorphic malware that avoids detection by signature-based security tools. This type of code has the capability to adapt its behavior and logic while in memory, rather than being stored on disk like traditional python code does.

These malicious programs can also be spread via phishing attacks or other techniques like redirects and rogue advertising networks. Be aware of this risk as it could lead to compromised accounts, privacy violations, and hardware damage – among other potential issues.

To protect against this threat, running a full system scan on your computer is recommended. This should include all hard drives and connected storage devices as well as any applications currently running in memory.

This will protect your system from any malware or ransomware that could be lurking. Furthermore, it detects potential threats to computer security such as out-of-date software, malicious content, browser add-ons with poor reputations, network vulnerabilities, and performance issues. Furthermore, boot-time scanning increases the odds of detecting and eliminating malware before it causes serious harm to your PC.

2. Change Your Passwords

Over the past two months, we’ve witnessed an exponential rise in a new cyber threat: ChatGPT. This artificial intelligence tool can create malware on demand and is already being utilized by hackers for malicious intent.

At first, cybersecurity professionals and researchers were concerned that ChatGPT could be used to write ransomware or other invasive malware because it wasn’t designed with security in mind. But multiple reports and studies have demonstrated that ChatGPT is capable of more than simply creating convincing phishing emails or crafting code to obfuscate zero-day exploits.

Researchers have used this tool to create a malware-generating program using Visual Basic Scripting Language and Microsoft Excel. This script could potentially produce an malicious macro virus that downloads and executes its payload when opened in the program.

Researchers have also observed the tool being exploited to create a Python-based data stealer that scans common file types and copies them to a random folder within Temp, then ZIPs them and uploads them onto an FTP server. Another sample was a Java snippet which downloads and runs PuTTY (TELNET and SSH client) covertly using PowerShell.

Security professionals and the general public alike are increasingly worried about the use of AI tools to craft malware. Although ChatGPT has some built-in filters that prevent it from doing this, researchers have discovered ways around those restrictions. That’s why we recommend to install cybersecurity products at your organization and use the network traffic analysis tools to regularly monitoring overall traffic.

One of the most concerning aspects of chatbots used to create malicious tools is that they can be bypassed by anyone with even basic knowledge of malware, or who simply have enough time and energy to learn how to exploit the tool. In essence, anyone with access to a computer could create their own malicious applications and distribute them on the Dark Web.

Fortunately, by changing your passwords to unique, new ones, it should help protect you from ChatGPT’s new tools. Furthermore, be sure to change them periodically as this is an effective way of keeping your computer secure from potential threats in the future.

3. Keep your security devices and softwares updated

ChatGPT has some measures in place to prevent malicious code from being generated, however cybercriminals could potentially use the bot for creating convincing phishing emails and malware. They could also request the chatbot create ransomware which encrypts files on compromised computers and then demands payment in exchange for decrypting them.

On underground hacker forums, novice cybercriminals have praised the chatbot for helping them build data theft and encryption tools without needing programming skills. One member described how ChatGPT enabled him to construct a Python program that searches for standard file formats like Word or Excel and then copies and uploads them onto an encrypted FTP server.

Another threat actor demonstrated how ChatGPT can be utilized to create polymorphic malware, which alters its behavior depending on each victim in order to circumvent signature-based detection. This is particularly worrying as it gives hackers a powerful tool to quickly alter their malicious code and deploy it onto vulnerable systems without risking security breaches.

Some cybersecurity experts anticipate the ChatGPT platform will become a major issue soon, as it gives criminals an easy way to quickly create ransomware. Therefore, it is essential for you to protect yourself from these attacks by regularly changing your passwords.

However, it’s essential to remember that this technology is just a tool and will only benefit criminals who know how to abuse it. Therefore, always have the best antivirus software installed on your computer and an Android anti-malware app on your smartphone in order to safeguard yourself against these potential hazards.

Furthermore, hackers are using counterfeit versions of ChatGPT software to install other malicious software on victims’ computers. These fraudulent applications can replace clipboard content, track browsing activity and steal information from targeted victims – such as rogue Aurora, Lumma or RedLine stealers as well as Toll Fraud and SpyMax spyware programs.

Users have been duped into downloading malicious Android apps that automatically subscribe to a premium SMS service without their knowledge or consent. These scams often involve sensitive information like phone call logs and contacts.

A malicious cybercriminal could use this information to fraudulently obtain money and credit card numbers from a victim. Furthermore, they could utilize it for other crimes like telecom fraud.

To protect yourself from this type of threat, it is imperative to run a full system scan. If you suspect your computer has become infected, using Combo Cleaner Antivirus can help remove the malicious software.

If you have any queries regarding how to protect your computer against ChatGPT ransomware or what steps should be taken in order to remove it, feel free to reach out to our customer support team for assistance. We are more than happy to assist.