"Can Macs be infected by viruses? A new report reveals that they can, and AI-driven malware poses a growing threat."
Demystifying Myths: How Dangerous is ChatGPT in Relation to Malware?
A new report from the security firm Moonlock highlights an increase in AI-powered malware threats targeted at Mac users. This report raises doubts about the common belief that Mac computers are immune to viruses, a myth that has persisted for years. Many Apple users believe that the combination of common sense and the built-in tools of macOS is sufficient for protection. While it is true that Macs receive significantly less malware than Windows PCs, this does not mean they are completely safe from digital threats like spyware or trojans.
In recent years, the number of Mac-specific viruses has increased significantly, with even North Korean hackers targeting this operating system. On the other hand, the arrival of AI chatbots like ChatGPT has raised concerns, as they could allow inexperienced hackers to create sophisticated malware by automatically generating code.
The report details how some hackers, such as one known as 'barboris', have used ChatGPT to obtain functional code simply through creative requests. However, while it is possible for people without technical knowledge to create some type of virus, cybersecurity experts warn that the potential of ChatGPT to generate effective malware is limited. This is due to the security barriers that chatbots have and the low quality of the resulting code, making it unattractive to experienced developers.
Martin Zugec from the Bitdefender team argues that the danger represented by chatbot-generated malware remains relatively low. He emphasizes that those relying on ChatGPT to develop code likely do not have the necessary skills to bypass these restrictions. Thus, although there have been some cases where malware has been produced with the help of ChatGPT, experienced programmers can achieve much more effective results through public code repositories and their own expertise.
In conclusion, while the use of ChatGPT by inexperienced hackers is a trend to monitor, the real threat may still be less than some fear, particularly given the limitations in the chatbot's ability to generate high-quality malware.
