Hackers are finding new ways to use AI to make cyberattacks more effective and difficult to detect. A North Korea-linked hacking group is reportedly building ChatGPT-like large language models (LLMs) that may help automate parts of its operations. According to a Reuters report, South Korean cybersecurity company Genians has found signs that the Kimsuky hacking group is setting up AI software on its own systems. The technology could allow hackers to analyse large amounts of stolen information, automate different tasks and create more convincing scams.
Genians reportedly found that Kimsuky was using tools including Ollama, GPT4All and Msty. These tools can run AI models locally on a computer or private system. This means hackers would not have to depend on cloud-based AI services to process information.
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Researchers also discovered signs of retrieval augmented generation (RAG) technology. RAG allows an AI system to search through large collections of documents .
Cybercriminals are already using AI to write phishing emails. AI can make fraudulent messages sound more natural and professional, which may make them harder to identify. However, researchers believe Kimsuky could be exploring much wider uses.
Genians reportedly found software related to AI-assisted coding, speech-to-text features and the development of AI agents. This may help automate parts of cyberattacks, process stolen information more quickly and help create malicious software.
Researchers also reportedly found finance and cryptocurrency-related documents that appeared to have been created using AI. The files were made to resemble genuine reports and workplace documents. Attackers could use convincing documents like these to trick victims to open malicious files, reveal sensitive information or fall for financial scams.
So, users are advised to be extra careful about unexpected messages, files and financial offers they receive online.
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