IT decision makers think ChatGPT is being used for cyberattacks: Blackberry

BlackBerry has released survey results revealing that half (51%) of IT professionals predict that we are less than a year away from a successful cyberattack that is credited to the artificial intelligence (AI) ChatGPT. The research also found that 71% believe that foreign states may already be using ChatGPT against other nations.

The global survey of 1,500 IT decision makers exposed a perception that, although respondents in all countries see ChatGPT as generally being put to use for ‘good’, 74% acknowledge its potential threat to cybersecurity and are concerned. Though there are differing views around the world on how that threat might manifest, ChatGPT’s ability to help hackers craft more believable and legitimate sounding phishing emails is the top global concern (53%), along with enabling less experienced hackers to improve their technical knowledge and develop more specialised skills (49%) and its use for spreading misinformation (49%).

BlackBerry’s research also revealed that eight in 10 (82%) IT decision-makers plan to invest in AI-driven cybersecurity in the next two years and almost half (48%) plan to invest before the end of 2023. This reflects the growing concern that signature-based protection solutions are no longer effective in providing protection against an increasingly sophisticated threat.

Whilst IT directors are positive that ChatGPT will enhance cybersecurity for businesses, the survey also revealed that 95% believe governments have a responsibility to regulate advanced technologies. However, at present, there is an optimistic consensus that technology and research professionals will gain more than cybercriminals will from ChatGPT.

*The research was conducted in January 2023 by OnePoll on behalf of BlackBerry, into 1,500 IT decision makers across North America (US and Canada), the UK and Australia.