ChatGPT May Already Be Used In Nation State Cyberattacks, Say IT Decision Makers in BlackBerry Global Research

Rhea-AI Summary

BlackBerry (NYSE: BB) released a survey indicating that 51% of IT decision-makers anticipate a successful cyberattack via ChatGPT within a year. A majority (74%) recognize ChatGPT's cybersecurity threats, with key concerns including its potential for creating convincing phishing emails (53%) and aiding hackers' skill development (49%). The survey included 1,500 IT professionals in North America, the UK, and Australia. Additionally, 82% plan to invest in AI-driven cybersecurity within the next two years, highlighting growing concerns with traditional security methods. Overall, 95% believe in the need for government regulation of advanced technologies.

Positive

• 82% of IT decision-makers plan to invest in AI-driven cybersecurity within two years.
• 48% intend to make investments before the end of 2023.

Negative

• 51% of IT professionals believe a successful cyberattack using ChatGPT is imminent within the year.
• 74% acknowledge ChatGPT poses a significant threat to cybersecurity.

• 51% of IT decision makers believe there will be a successful cyberattack credited to ChatGPT within the year
• 95% believe governments have a responsibility to regulate advanced technologies, such as ChatGPT

WATERLOO, ON, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) today released new research revealing that half (51%) of IT professionals predict that we are less than a year away from a successful cyberattack being credited to ChatGPT, and 71% believe that foreign states may already be using the technology for malicious purposes against other nations.

74% of IT decision makers acknowledge ChatGPT's potential threat to cybersecurity and are concerned

The survey of 1,500 IT decision makers across North America, UK, and Australia exposed a perception that, although respondents in all countries see ChatGPT as generally being put to use for 'good' purposes, 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 specialized skills (49%) and its use for spreading misinformation (49%).

Shishir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Cybersecurity at BlackBerry explains: "ChatGPT will likely increase its influence in the cyber industry over time. We've all seen a lot of hype and scaremongering, but the pulse of the industry remains fairly pragmatic – and for good reason. There are a lot of benefits to be gained from this kind of advanced technology and we're only beginning to scratch the surface, but we also can't ignore the ramifications. As the maturity of the platform and the hackers' experience of putting it to use progresses, it will get more and more difficult to defend without also using AI in defense to level the playing field."

Indeed, BlackBerry's research results also revealed that the majority (82%) of 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 cyber 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 cyber criminals from the capabilities of ChatGPT.

Singh concludes: "It's been well documented that people with malicious intent are testing the waters but, over the course of this year, we expect to see hackers get a much better handle on how to use ChatGPT successfully for nefarious purposes; whether as a tool to write better mutable malware or as an enabler to bolster their 'skillset.' Both cyber pros and hackers will continue to look into how they can utilize it best. Time will tell who's more effective." 

For more information on how BlackBerry's comprehensive, prevention-first, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions can help your business prepare for, prevent, detect and respond to cyber threats, please visit BlackBerry.com.

Note: Research conducted in January 2023 by OnePoll on behalf of BlackBerry, into 1,500 IT Decision Makers across North America (USA and Canada), the United Kingdom and Australia.

About BlackBerry

BlackBerry (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world.  The company secures more than 500M endpoints including over 215M vehicles.  Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety and data privacy solutions, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint management, endpoint security, encryption, and embedded systems.  BlackBerry's vision is clear - to secure a connected future you can trust. 

BlackBerry. Intelligent Security. Everywhere. 

For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry.

Trademarks, including but not limited to BLACKBERRY and EMBLEM Design are the trademarks or registered trademarks of BlackBerry Limited, and the exclusive rights to such trademarks are expressly reserved.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.  BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.

Media Contacts:

BlackBerry Media Relations
+1 (519) 597-7273
mediarelations@BlackBerry.com

 

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SOURCE BlackBerry Limited

FAQ

What percentage of IT decision-makers believe a cyberattack involving ChatGPT will happen within a year?

51% of IT decision-makers believe a successful cyberattack credited to ChatGPT will occur within the year.

How many IT professionals are concerned about ChatGPT's implications for cybersecurity?

74% of IT decision-makers acknowledge ChatGPT's potential threat to cybersecurity.

When was the BlackBerry survey conducted regarding ChatGPT and cybersecurity?

The survey was conducted in January 2023.

What do IT decision-makers think about government regulation of technology?

95% of IT decision-makers believe that governments have a responsibility to regulate advanced technologies.