- A new report by Abnormal Security suggests that generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are leading to an increase in sophisticated email attacks.
- AI-generated emails have been a concern since the release of ChatGPT, and Abnormal Security reports having stopped a number of attacks that contain language suspected to be written by AI.
- The rise of business email compromise (BEC) attacks is particularly concerning, as AI technology can create convincing and sophisticated BEC campaigns that are difficult to detect and prevent.
Sophisticated Email Attacks on the Rise Due to Gen AI
As the world becomes more connected, digital security is becoming increasingly important. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are always working on new tactics to scam or hack into accounts, and email attacks are on the rise. What makes this trend particularly worrisome is that these malicious emails are becoming more sophisticated, thanks in part to the rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence.
According to recent reports, Gen AI is becoming one of the most effective tools for cyber attackers. This technology is incredibly versatile and can be used to create emails that are indistinguishable from the real thing. That means that fraudsters can now send out emails that appear to be from trusted sources, such as banks, social media sites, or even the IRS.
One of the most common email attacks using Gen AI is the phishing scam. In these attacks, cybercriminals create emails that look like they are coming from a legitimate company or organization. They often include a link that takes the user to a fake website, which then steals their personal information. These emails are often so convincing that even the most savvy users fall for them.
Another type of attack using Gen AI is the Business Email Compromise (BEC) scam. In these attacks, fraudsters impersonate high-level executives or business partners, often with the goal of convincing an accountant or finance department to transfer funds to their account. These emails are often sent from a look-alike domain name or from an email address that’s very close to the real one.
To avoid falling victim to these sophisticated email attacks, experts advise being cautious when opening emails from unknown senders or those that ask for personal information. Additionally, it’s important to keep software and security systems up to date and to regularly change passwords to protect against cyberattacks.
As Gen AI becomes more widespread, it’s likely we’ll see even more sophisticated email attacks in the future. It’s up to individuals and organizations alike to remain vigilant and stay ahead of the latest cyber threats.