Title: North Korean cybercriminals exploit ChatGPT artificial intelligence for their misdeeds
In the already dark landscape of global cybercrime, a new threat is emerging: the use of ChatGPT artificial intelligence by cybercriminals, particularly from countries like North Korea.
Microsoft and OpenAI recently released reports revealing that North Korean hacker groups are actively exploiting ChatGPT to carry out their online attacks. This worrying collaboration between advanced technology and crime raises concerns about the increased effectiveness of Pyongyang’s cybercriminals.
According to reports, cyberattacks carried out by North Korea brought in more than $600 million in 2023, highlighting the scale of the isolated country’s malicious activities on the international stage.
Despite the economic and technological restrictions imposed on North Korea, researchers in the country have been looking at the development of AI for more than two decades, with a focus on its military applications and strengthening their nuclear program. The emergence of a national AI research institute in 2013 demonstrates the importance given to this technology by the Pyongyang regime.
The introduction of ChatGPT into the arsenal of North Korean cybercriminals marks a new turning point in their approach. By exploiting this AI for social engineering, these hackers seek to gain the trust of their victims, whether by tricking them into clicking on malicious links or by manipulating them into disclosing sensitive information.
The most worrying aspect of this use of ChatGPT is its ability to improve the language skills of North Korean cybercriminals, allowing them to appear more authentic and credible in their interactions with victims. They exploit platforms like LinkedIn to pose as legitimate recruiters, using fake profiles to contact potential targets and obtain confidential information.
The constant evolution of large language models, such as ChatGPT, poses a growing cybersecurity challenge. Advances in the ability to imitate voices and conduct deceptive telephone conversations raise concerns about the protection of personal data and sensitive information.
In conclusion, the exploitation of ChatGPT by North Korean cybercriminals highlights the need for heightened vigilance and adequate security measures to counter this new emerging threat. The alliance between artificial intelligence and crime represents a major challenge for authorities and businesses around the world, and requires a collective and coordinated response to protect users and their data online.