The emergence of AI-driven crypto crimes signifies a new chapter in the world of cyber threats, as highlighted in a recent report by Elliptic. This report exposes how sophisticated technologies are now being utilized for deepfake scams, state-sponsored attacks, and other intricate illicit activities.
One alarming finding in the report is an advertisement on the dark web promoting an “unethical” generative pre-trained transformer (GPT). The ad boldly states, “AI has two faces, just like humans,” shedding light on the dual nature of artificial intelligence.
The report goes on to mention the WormGPT advertisement, which further exemplifies this duality. It also delves into the prevalence of deepfake videos featuring prominent figures like Elon Musk and former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, used to promote fraudulent investment schemes.
In addition, the report underscores the rising trend of scammers using deepfake deceptive tactics on social media platforms to deceive unsuspecting victims into parting with their money. This deceptive behavior poses a significant threat to financial stability and security.
Anne Neuberger, the U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies, has also voiced concerns about the misuse of AI for criminal activities beyond mere scams. The report emphasizes the growing misuse of AI on dark web forums, where illegal activities are on the rise.
Recently, a 23-year-old man in New York was arrested for owning and operating a $100 million dark web narcotics marketplace. The FBI was able to track his crypto transfers, leading to his arrest. As AI continues to evolve, so too do the risks associated with its misuse in the criminal world.
According to the report, the misuse of AI is a growing concern that must be addressed to safeguard against the potential dangers it poses. As technology advances, it is crucial to stay vigilant and combat the misuse of AI for criminal purposes.