The FBI has issued a warning that hackers are capitalizing on generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, to quickly create harmful code and initiate cybercrime sprees. These activities, which would have required significantly more effort in the past, are fueled by AI chatbots, enabling scammers, fraudsters, and terrorists to enhance their techniques and engage in illicit activities. The FBI expects these trends to escalate as AI models become more widely adopted and accessible. Bad actors are utilizing AI to supplement their regular criminal endeavors, including using AI voice generators to deceive and defraud individuals by impersonating trusted figures. This is not the first instance where hackers have misused tools like ChatGPT to develop dangerous malware. Researchers from security firm Checkpoint discovered in February 2023 that malicious actors could manipulate a chatbot's API to generate malware code, granting almost any potential hacker the ability to create viruses.

In contrast to the FBI's concerns, some cyber experts we spoke to in May 2023 believe that the threat from AI chatbots is somewhat exaggerated. They argue that most hackers find better exploits in traditional data leaks and open-source research, as novice malware writers typically lack the necessary skills to bypass chatbot anti-malware measures. Additionally, the quality of malware code produced by chatbots tends to be subpar. The discontinuation of OpenAI's tool designed to detect chatbot-generated plagiarism further adds to recent discouraging news. The outcome remains uncertain as to whether the FBI or the opposing side will prove correct, but if the FBI's predictions are accurate, the battle against chatbot-fueled malware could become increasingly challenging.