Malware masking as ChatGPT targets users

MANILA, Philippines — A cybersecurity firm has warned individuals against a malware pretending to be popular chatbot ChatGPT, as it sends text messages to its victims that lead to charges and fraud.

In a study, Palo Alto Networks said an Android malware is disguising itself as ChatGPT in a bid to deceive users of the platform known for its artificial intelligence (AI).

ChatGPT belongs to the growing list of generative AI gaining popularity across sectors for their capability to create images, texts and videos using available data.

According to Palo Alto, the malware was developed and launched at the same time the latest versions of ChatGPT were introduced to the public. It targets mostly individuals who are keen on exploring the capabilities of ChatGPT.

Palo Alto cautioned that the malware is packaged inside an app called SuperGPT. When opened, the app will infect the device with malware containing a Meterpreter Trojan.

Meterpreter Trojan acts as a malicious program that allows cybercriminals to remotely control a device upon successful infiltration, making it easy for them to do fraudulent transactions, such as bank transfer

“A cluster of malware samples, masquerading as ChatGPT-themed apps, sends text messages to premium-rate numbers in Thailand,” Palo Alto said.

“These numbers incur charges for the victims and facilitate scams and fraudulent activities,” the cybersecurity firm added.

Palo Alto said that the risk of acquiring the malware in a device goes up when a smartphone user downloads or accesses an app outside of Google Play Store. With this, it reminded individuals to get their apps only from official sources.

ChatGPT is garnering popularity and notoriety across sectors for the risks and benefits it brings to the world. As a generative AI, it has the ability to produce texts, even long form, in an instant.

Lately, the world has experienced a surge in the use of generative AI, or programs that can create images, texts and videos using stock data.

Tech icons, among them Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, had even issued an open letter demanding the suspension of new AI development for six months to give governments time to catch up and develop regulations.