The emergence of AI-powered crypto crimes indicates a new phase of cyber threats, as detailed in a report by Elliptic. This report exposes how cutting-edge technologies are being utilized for deepfake scams, state-sponsored attacks, and other complex illicit activities.
The report highlights a concerning advertisement found on the dark web for an unethical GPT, stating “AI has two faces just like humans.” This dual nature is further exemplified in the WormGPT advertisement, which encourages embracing the darker aspects of technology. Deepfake videos featuring prominent figures like Elon Musk and former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong are being used to promote fraudulent investment schemes, as revealed by Elliptic.
The report also discusses the misuse of AI for criminal purposes, with U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger expressing concerns about AI being exploited by North Korean and other nation-state actors to accelerate malicious activities. Dark web forums are abuzz with discussions about leveraging AI models for various criminal activities, including bypassing authentication and manipulating crypto wallet seed phrases.
Recent events, such as the arrest of a dark web market owner in New York, further underscore the risks associated with AI-driven crypto crimes. The report concludes by emphasizing that this misuse of AI is only in its early stages, suggesting the potential for more sophisticated and widespread attacks in the future.