In a recent discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos, INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock shed light on the escalating challenges faced by global law enforcement agencies due to cybercrime proliferation. Stock emphasized the growing crisis, citing the surge in cyber-related crimes, particularly fraud. The increased prevalence of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes, has compounded the difficulties faced by authorities.

Stock pointed out that despite efforts to raise awareness about cybercrime, the number of fraud cases continues to rise. He noted that most cases have an international dimension, adding that criminals are leveraging the expansive capabilities of the internet and developing expertise through underground networks.

One notable concern discussed during the panel was the emergence of malicious AI tools like FraudGPT, a malevolent version of the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT. Cybercriminals are leveraging FraudGPT to craft convincing messages that can deceive individuals into taking undesirable actions.

Understanding FraudGPT: FraudGPT operates as an AI chatbot employing generative models to produce coherent and realistic text based on user prompts. The technology enables hackers to create deceptive content for various malicious purposes.

Modus Operandi of FraudGPT:

Phishing Scams: FraudGPT can generate authentic-looking phishing emails, text messages, or websites to trick users into disclosing sensitive information.

Social Engineering: The chatbot imitates human conversation, building trust to extract sensitive information or induce harmful actions.

Malware Distribution: FraudGPT creates deceptive messages to lure users into clicking on malicious links or downloading harmful attachments.

Fraudulent Activities: The AI-powered chatbot aids hackers in generating fraudulent documents, invoices, or payment requests, leading to financial scams.

Risks of AI in Cybersecurity: While AI has enhanced cybersecurity tools, it has also introduced risks such as brute force, denial of service (DoS), and social engineering attacks. Stock highlighted that even individuals with limited technological knowledge can carry out distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks using AI, expanding the scope of cyber threats.

Staying Safe from FraudGPT: As AI chatbots gain popularity, individuals and businesses must adopt proactive measures to protect against fraudulent activities. Staying informed, implementing robust cybersecurity practices, and exercising vigilance are crucial to fortify defenses against emerging dangers posed by AI in cybercrime.

As the risks associated with AI tools become more pronounced, it is essential for the global community to collaborate on developing effective countermeasures and strategies to create a safer digital environment for everyone.