Facebook warns that hackers are disguising malware as ChatGPT

Malware distributors have been exploiting people’s interest in ChatGPT by pushing malicious browser extensions that offer chatbot functionality.

Facebook has issued a warning about new malware that disguises itself as a program from OpenAI, specifically the popular artificial intelligence chatbot tool, ChatGPT. The social media giant’s security team has discovered that these new viruses use the interface or functionality of ChatGPT and other AI-related tools to hack user accounts.

According to a new report from Facebook Meta, its parent company, the security team has been tracking new malware threats for the past few months. They have taken action against strains of malware that exploit people’s interest in ChatGPT to deceive them into installing malicious software that pretends to provide AI functionality.

The security team has identified about ten new families of malicious programs that use AI chatbot tools like ChatGPT to compromise user accounts. One prevalent scheme involves distributing malicious browser extensions that claim to deliver ChatGPT features. Users download these extensions for browsers like Chrome or Firefox to use the headline-grabbing AI chatbot functions. While some of these extensions work as advertised, they also contain malicious software that can gain access to the user’s device.

Meta reports that over 1,000 unique URLs offering malware disguised as ChatGPT or other AI-related tools have been detected and blocked from spreading on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Facebook Meta advises users to be cautious when downloading browser extensions or other software that offers AI chatbot features. Users should only download software from reputable sources and regularly update their devices’ antivirus software to detect and block malware. Additionally, if a user notices any suspicious activity on their account, they should immediately change their password and enable two-factor authentication.