Vladislav Tushkanov, a lead data scientist at Kaspersky explains that generative AI, like other types of technology, are tools with dual use. “You can do a lot of cool stuff with these tools… but there are also some applications that can be interesting for cybercriminals. The most obvious use is fraud – creating believable voice fake to lure people into sending money,” says Tushkanov. “What our Digital Footprint intelligence found on the dark web are posts saying ‘ChatGPT is my best buddy’ and ‘when I do my work, I always consult ChatGPT – it’s so useful’. This is a real post from a cybercriminal that we saw on a hacker forum.”

Greg van der Gaast is a former hacker, FBI operative and the MD of Sequoia Consulting. His take on cybersecurity is a little bit different. “If you’re not vulnerable to what cybercriminals are trying to exploit using AI, if you have good build processes and architecture, they’re not a threat to you,” he says.