According to cybersecurity investigators, hackers have been employing bogus ChatGPT programs to install malware onto Windows and Android devices. The malicious software was disseminated via third-party app stores in the pretense of ChatGPT, a well-known artificial intelligence chatbot.
Due to the chatbot's high demand and rapid growth, a $20/30 days membership tier (Chat GPT Plus) was made available for those who want to utilize it without any availability restrictions.
As a result of the move, threat actors were able to profit from the tool's popularity by providing constant, free access to premium Chat GPT. The opportunities to deceive users into installing malware or divulging their login details are numerous.
According to reports, the malware has a variety of dangerous payloads, including Trojans, backdoors, and ransomware. Once the victim downloads the false Chat GPT clone, the malware is secretly placed onto their device, giving the hackers access to private information, the ability to steal login information, and remote control of the device.
Third-party app shops, which are known to be less secure than official app stores like Google Play or the Microsoft Store, are where the phony Chat GPT programs were disseminated. Tens of thousands of consumers worldwide have downloaded bogus AI apps, claim researchers.
Users are advised by experts to only download programs from official app stores and to exercise caution when doing so. Also, they advise setting up reliable antivirus software and maintaining devices.
Also, the business has released a statement advising customers to exercise caution when downloading apps that seem to be related to the service. The business has acknowledged that it only makes its app available through authorized channels and does not distribute it through unofficial app stores.
Also, the company has advised customers to alert the proper authorities about any dubious apps posing as Chat GPT.
The discovery of this malware operation brings attention to the growing danger posed by cybercriminals who use well-known products and services to spread malware. The threats related to cybersecurity keep rising as more people rely on digital services for communication, business, and pleasure.
Users should exercise vigilance and take preventative measures to safeguard their devices and data, according to professionals. This entails creating secure passwords that are different from others, enabling two-factor authentication, and frequently backing up sensitive files.
Read next: New Survey Shows the Challenges Businesses Face When Confronting Political Polarization
Due to the chatbot's high demand and rapid growth, a $20/30 days membership tier (Chat GPT Plus) was made available for those who want to utilize it without any availability restrictions.
As a result of the move, threat actors were able to profit from the tool's popularity by providing constant, free access to premium Chat GPT. The opportunities to deceive users into installing malware or divulging their login details are numerous.
According to reports, the malware has a variety of dangerous payloads, including Trojans, backdoors, and ransomware. Once the victim downloads the false Chat GPT clone, the malware is secretly placed onto their device, giving the hackers access to private information, the ability to steal login information, and remote control of the device.
Third-party app shops, which are known to be less secure than official app stores like Google Play or the Microsoft Store, are where the phony Chat GPT programs were disseminated. Tens of thousands of consumers worldwide have downloaded bogus AI apps, claim researchers.
Google third-party .org and .me app stores pushing unofficial Chat GPTs. pic.twitter.com/6nPbd3bDsa
— Dominic Alvieri (@AlvieriD) February 13, 2023
Users are advised by experts to only download programs from official app stores and to exercise caution when doing so. Also, they advise setting up reliable antivirus software and maintaining devices.
Also, the business has released a statement advising customers to exercise caution when downloading apps that seem to be related to the service. The business has acknowledged that it only makes its app available through authorized channels and does not distribute it through unofficial app stores.
Also, the company has advised customers to alert the proper authorities about any dubious apps posing as Chat GPT.
The discovery of this malware operation brings attention to the growing danger posed by cybercriminals who use well-known products and services to spread malware. The threats related to cybersecurity keep rising as more people rely on digital services for communication, business, and pleasure.
Users should exercise vigilance and take preventative measures to safeguard their devices and data, according to professionals. This entails creating secure passwords that are different from others, enabling two-factor authentication, and frequently backing up sensitive files.
Read next: New Survey Shows the Challenges Businesses Face When Confronting Political Polarization
