WormGPT: The ChatGPT Alternative That Cybercriminals Are Using To Launch Advanced Phishing Attacks

The increasing popularity of ChatGPT and other generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) products has brought concerns about their potential misuse for spreading false information and fueling cybercrime. WormGPT, an alternative to ChatGPT, has become a worrisome tool in the hands of cybercriminals who are exploiting its capabilities to orchestrate sophisticated phishing attacks.

Similar to ChatGPT, WormGPT is based on a generative pre-trained transformer model (GPT-J) and is designed to generate human-like text. However, the key difference lies in the fact that WormGPT lacks any safety measures to prevent it from responding to malicious content, setting it apart from ChatGPT and Google's Bard.

Cybercriminals are leveraging WormGPT's unrestricted nature to create a range of illegal activities. The AI model enables the generation of malware content in Python coding language and the crafting of persuasive and sophisticated phishing emails, including Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks. This allows cybercriminals to create convincing fake emails that target unsuspecting individuals, making WormGPT a potent tool for malicious activities with no ethical boundaries.

The developer of WormGPT openly acknowledges the tool's potential for misuse, stating that it aims to provide an alternative to ChatGPT that facilitates illegal activities, making it easily accessible for anyone to engage in malicious actions from the comfort of their own home.

To counter the rise of AI-generated phishing attacks, preventive measures should be implemented:

1. Email verification: Strengthen email verification processes to scrutinize email IDs, dates, and other details carefully to identify potential phishing attempts.

2. Firewalls: Utilize high-quality firewalls as protective barriers between personal devices and external intruders. Both desktop and network firewalls can provide added security layers.

3. Stay informed: Keep abreast of evolving phishing techniques and scams to recognize new threats and stay vigilant against cyberattacks.

As the capabilities of AI models like WormGPT continue to grow, it becomes crucial for individuals and organizations to remain proactive in safeguarding against potential cyber threats and staying informed about emerging risks in the digital landscape.