There has been a lot of talk around the water cooler here at Enterprotect about AI Chatbots like ChatGPT (and now Google Bard), and their implications on cybersecurity. Being in the cybersecurity field we tend to assume if something can be used for evil it will.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made immense strides in recent years and has become a buzzword in the tech industry. AI chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's newly announced Bard have become extremely popular due to their ability to converse like humans and their ease of use. However, while these chatbots have been praised for their potential to enhance our lives, there are growing concerns about their impact on cybersecurity.

ChatGPT, in particular, has gained worldwide popularity in a short span of time. It has become the fastest-growing consumer application to reach 100 million users. However, experts have also drawn attention to the toxic and illegal activities that can increase due to AI chatbots like ChatGPT. A recent survey conducted by BlackBerry shows that 74% of IT decision-makers are concerned about the implications of ChatGPT and similar AI chatbots on cybersecurity.

Research by cyber security provider Check Point has revealed attempts by Russian cybercriminals to bypass OpenAI's restrictions in order to use ChatGPT for malicious purposes. Another report has indicated that hackers are potentially using ChatGPT and Codex to execute targeted and efficient cyberattacks. Analysts are concerned that AI chatbots could be used to accelerate and advance the complexity of malware development, and even guide an amateur hacker through the process of committing an attack.

One of the main risks posed by ChatGPT is its potential to be used by hackers to craft more convincing phishing emails. With ChatGPT's ability to generate human-like responses, it becomes easier for hackers to trick unsuspecting victims into handing over their information. Another concern is the potential for ChatGPT to be used by hackers to improve their technical skills, leading to the development of more sophisticated cyberattacks and a greater threat to businesses and organizations.

Meanwhile, Google's Bard, based on its language model LaMDA, will compete with ChatGPT. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has stated that the company will "combine external feedback with our own internal testing" to ensure Bard's responses meet a high standard for quality, safety, and grounding in real-world information. However, it is possible that the system will still make mistakes, some of which could be serious.

In conclusion, while AI-based chatbots have the potential to enhance our lives, they also pose a significant threat to cybersecurity. As artificial intelligence accelerates the frequency and complexity of cyber attacks, the need for stronger cybersecurity measures becomes more apparent. IT professionals should look at their security stack and assess if they are ready for the cyber threats of tomorrow, because tomorrow isn’t years away, it really could be tomorrow.