As much as the success of ChatGPT is reaching new levels, this is just the same way cybercriminals are using their brand image to create new malicious browser extensions. In most cases, these browser extensions look so real that many people can’t differentiate between them and the real ChatGPT from OpenAI.
Nevertheless, it is very important as an individual or an organization to defend oneself against these malicious ChatGPT extensions. One can do so by engaging in simple security procedures such as checking software publishers. Moreover, this article provides more detailed information regarding how to defend against malicious ChatGPT browser extensions.
ChatGPT Extensions and Browser Security
With the massive success of ChatGPT, many browser extensions are coming up, posing as the real ChatGPT. Even more, some unsuspecting users are often tricked into downloading these extensions, leading to data loss.
Hence, it is often important to discuss these fake and malicious ChatGPT extensions when getting browser security explained. This is to provide uninformed users with some of the steps they can take to ensure they prevent cyber attacks coming from these ChatGPT extensions.
Brief History of ChatGPT
ChatGPT has become a household name in the digital world due to the amount of impact it has made within a short period of existence. Despite this technology or establishment becoming very popular in 2023, it has a long history with some of the top personalities in the world. ChatGPT was created by another artificial intelligence research company called OpenAI. However, the ChatGPT tool was developed and launched by OpenAI in November 2022, although its breakthrough came in the early hours of 2023.
Before the launch of ChatGPT, OpenAI received the massive support of many tech personalities, especially that of Elon Musk. Elon Musk is said to have invested millions of dollars into this company and even served some executive and advisory roles before leaving. Currently, one of the most prominent backing OpenAI and ChatGPT receives is from Microsoft, which owns a major stake.
With ChatGPT making it to the limelight, it came with its advantages, but there were also disadvantages associated with this new technology. The major aspect of this disadvantage came from the fact that it made the individual or organization using it prone to certain web security attacks. Moreover, many similar ChatGPT extensions are now making their way to the public, leading to more avenues for cybercriminal attacks. Nevertheless, these attacks can be prevented by following certain steps.
How to Defend Against Malicious Chat GPT Browser Extensions
Below are some of the crucial steps one can take to prevent malicious ChatGPT extensions from breaching one’s browser security.
● Install a Web Security Solution
Especially for individuals and organizations that work on important data and resources, there’s always a need to have a web security solution present before using a web browser. As the day goes by, hackers are now coming up with more sophisticated cyber attack methods, which can prove too much for even knowledgeable users. Hence, it is very important to have a web security solution present, especially against malicious ChatGPT extensions.
A web security solution can come in many ways, such as browser isolation methods, virtual desktop infrastructures (VDIs), and browser-agnostic platforms like LayerX. The importance of these web security solutions is that they prevent any malicious attack from corrupted browser extensions.
● Check the Publisher of the Software Before Download
While web security solutions are very important, you mustn’t rely on them for simple security etiquettes on the internet. Some internet users download extensions without even bothering to check if they are coming from verified and trusted software publishers. Overlooking simple acts like this can make someone download malicious ChatGPT extensions into their browser, leading to massive cyber attacks.
● Double Check Before Granting Permissions
Permissions are what allows an app or software to carry out certain actions when you are using them. For instance, if you grant browser extension rights to your device storage, they can easily gain access to whatever data is stored on your device. Hence, it is very important to double-check the type of permissions a ChatGPT or any other extension is asking for before granting them. Even more, when you notice that an extension is asking for more permissions than normal, it might be a sign of malicious software.
● Install a Data Loss Prevention Solution
Especially for enterprises, data loss prevention is any form of security software that helps them with the detection and prevention of data leakages. Knowingly or unknowingly, employees of an organization might share confidential data about that organization while interacting with AI technologies like ChatGPT extensions. In some cases, cyber attackers create fake ChatGPT extensions and wait for employees like this to input this sensitive information.
The function of a data loss prevention solution is to mitigate any data loss that will come from interacting with these types of extensions. For instance, in the case of LayerX, there’s a data loss prevention mode that stops the total download or usage of any ChatGPT extension. Actions like this will be highly valuable in preventing the loss of vital data and resources, which can put an organization in limbo.
● Beware of Pop-ups
If you are an ardent user of the internet, you will notice that some things pop up while you are browsing, asking you to download them. In the same way, be on a high alert when you notice any pop-up asking you to download a ChatGPT extension.
Most of the time, these are just cyber attackers luring people to download fake and malicious ChatGPT extensions. Clicking on these pop-ups can lead to drive-by downloads (immediate downloads of malicious content without your permission). Hence, it is vital to disable pop-ups from coming up while browsing through the internet.
Conclusion
There are hundreds of fake ChatGPT extensions on browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and many others posing as the real ChatGPT extensions. Even with the real ChatGPT extension, there is a need to be security conscious, as cybercriminals can still manipulate it to steal confidential information. There are many methods an individual or enterprise can employ to ensure they don’t fall victim to malicious ChatGPT extensions. Some of these methods are installing a web security solution, checking a web software publisher, disabling pop-ups, installing data loss prevention solutions, and many others.
