If you have always wondered why malicious actors don’t use spellcheck, you are not alone. But given the buzz around the use of AI-generated text recently, emails telling you that your “acount have been compomised” might be a thing of the past.

Unless you have been cut off from all of society as part of a reality TV show or stranded on an alien mothership, you will have heard people talking about ChatGPT. This AI-based chatbot uses natural language processing (NLP) to mimic human conversation. It can answer questions, write a letter or tell a story. And given the immense quantity of data input as part of its training, the results are scarily human.

Take this unpaid fine letter as an example:

The AI-based chatbot has modelled it on genuine, unpaid fine emails, and it looks realistic, right? The ability to mimic authentic communication, code, and even someone’s voice has disturbing applications within the cyber security realm. It could be leveraged by threat actors globally for several nefarious purposes, from generating phishing emails to creating encryption tools or malware strains.

So, what does that mean for your business?

We know that cyber threats are constantly evolving. While leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning adds another tool to a clever threat actor’s arsenal, you can use the same solid cyber hygiene to minimise your risk of attacks. This approach includes:

  1. Regular cyber security training
  2. Choosing a strong password
  3. Keeping your software up to date
  4. Using multi-factor authentication
  5. Using a good anti-virus software
  6. Implementing a Managed Detection and Response Service

While you are likely across the first five points, Managed Detection and Response (MDR) might be new to you. In a nutshell, MDR is a relatively new Managed Service option that allows you to tap into highly trained cyber experts whose job is to detect, investigate and uncover the source of sophisticated attacks that traditional cyber security tools cannot identify. To make life easy, it integrates with your current cyber tools and ensures that your defence evolves as quickly as the threat actors’ tricks do.

If you are interested in more specific cyber security advice – you know that we love to talk all things tech and are here and available for advice at any time. You can call on 02 6361 1116 or reach out on support@coltoncomputers.com.au.