An Interview With Chat GPT On AI And Cybersecurity

Discussions on Chat GPT are in full swing. A selection of one day’s headlines reflects the range of opinions. SWR2’s Kulturmedienschau headlined on the 27th January a radio report with “Chat GPT: AI between danger and great benefit“. The Süddeutsche Zeitung asks on the same day: “AI, our downfall? The artificial intelligence Chat GPT now passes academic exams and helps cheating. What does that do to life, work, education, creativity?” And notes in another post, “Chat GPT can do everything – apart from Bavarian.” And the Digitec podcast of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung explores the question on Jan. 28: “Does Germany need its own AI models à la ChatGPT?”

We put it to the test and interview Chat GPT about topics in IT in loose succession. The answers are really well formulated and precise. We didn’t change anything, neither content, spelling nor punctuation. Chat GPT itself states that so far the AI only uses sources published by 2021 for the answers

Chat GPT, how are hackers using AI for cyberattacks?

Chat GPT: Hackers use AI for cyberattacks by using it to find vulnerabilities in computer systems, execute attacks automatically, and enhance their capabilities to bypass detection and defense systems. They can also use AI to create fake identities and generate phishing emails that look more credible to recipients. Some hackers are also using AI to collect and analyze large amounts of data to conduct targeted attacks on businesses or government agencies.

How can companies defend themselves against hackers using AI to launch their attacks?

Chat GPT: Enterprises can defend themselves against hackers using AI for their attacks by taking some protective measures, such as:

Application of security and detection technologies: Companies should use advanced security and detection technologies such as AI-based detection systems and solutions to detect and prevent attacks early.

Employee training and awareness: Enterprises should educate their employees about the latest threats and security measures and encourage them to adopt security-conscious behavior.

Network monitoring and auditing: Companies should regularly monitor and audit their networks to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Creating contingency plans: Enterprises should create contingency plans to respond to attacks and quickly recover their data and systems.

Using AI for defense: Organizations can also use AI to predict attacks and automatically initiate defensive measures.

Risk management: companies should assess risks and take action to minimize the likelihood and impact of cyber attacks.

Relationships with security service providers: Companies can also build relationships with experienced security service providers to keep up to date with the latest technologies and methods to protect against attacks.

What happens when AI has penetrated a company’s network?

Chat GPT: When hackers use AI to penetrate an organization’s network, it can lead to a variety of issues, depending on the hacker’s goals and how far into the network they penetrate. Some possible impacts include:

Data loss: hackers can steal or delete data, which can result in significant financial losses for the company.

Ransomware attacks: Hackers can encrypt the company’s data and demand decryption in exchange for a ransom payment.

Sabotage: hackers can sabotage the company’s network by crippling key systems or destroying data.

Espionage: Hackers can use the company’s network to intercept confidential information or pursue secret projects.

Spreading malware: Hackers can spread malware on the company’s network to conduct further attacks on other companies or individuals.

Branding: hackers can publish corrupted or stolen data to negatively impact the company.

It is important that organizations act quickly to detect a hacking attack and initiate an appropriate response to minimize the impact. First and foremost, this includes closing the security gap and identifying the affected systems and data. Contingency plans should be prepared and employees should be trained to respond properly to an attack.

What does the hacker’s AI do once it has encrypted its victims’ data?

Chat GPT: If a hacker with AI has encrypted a victim’s data, that data usually becomes unusable because it cannot be decrypted without the correct key. The hacker will then usually send a message to the victim demanding that a ransom be paid to recover the data. The amount of the ransom can vary and is usually payable in cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin.

However, there are also cases where the hacker’s AI has not only encrypted the data, but also copied or stolen it. In this case, the hacker can sell or publish the stolen data to harm the company.

It is important to emphasize that paying a ransom is no guarantee that the data will actually be recovered, and it is not advisable to respond to ransom demands, as this will encourage the hackers to carry out further attacks. Instead, companies should improve their data security and make regular backups to be able to restore quickly in case of an attack.

What security vendors do you recommend against cyberattacks with AI?

Chat GPT: There are many companies that offer security solutions specifically designed to protect against attacks using AI. Some of these companies are:

Darktrace: a company that uses artificial intelligence to detect and analyze unusual behavior on networks to detect and defend against attacks well in advance.

Cylance: a company that uses artificial intelligence to detect and block malware in real time before it can do any damage.

Deep Instinct: A company that uses artificial intelligence to detect and block attacks on endpoints and servers.

Vectra: A company that uses artificial intelligence to detect and block attacks on networks by analyzing user and device behavior patterns.

DarkOwl: A company that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to search the darknet and detect attacks on businesses before they happen.

However, it’s important to note that no security solution is 100% secure, and it’s still important to make regular backups and keep your company’s security policies up to date.