Malware in Search Results - Bing Chat AI Search Ads Come With Suspected Malware
One of the best things about Chat AI is its ability to tailor their response based on the user's interaction. More interactions means additional information from the user and it allows Chat AI to increase its customized response. Increasingly accurate results are achievable when AI learns more.
But what if Chat AI's response comes with a dangerous caveat? Unfortunately, malicious ads have popped up in some search results on Bing's AI Chat powered by Chat GPT. Unsuspecting users might end up downloading a software with malicious intent.
How It Started
Bing has been trying to catch up with Google in terms of popularity for its search capabilities. In its quest to gain more users on its search engine, Bing has incorporated its search capabilities with Chat GPT - an extremely powerful AI chat tool created by OpenAI since February 2023. Microsoft, owner of Bing, has been a strong supporter of the technology. The company has thrown billions at the development of the technology and the results have been positive so far.
Chat integration has been a successful addition to Bing. The Microsoft backed search engine has reached 100 million daily users daily according to PCMag. Because of its success, ads were integrated in Bing Chat AI powered search one month after.
How the Malware Attacks
Unfortunately, malwares has popped up in search results on Bing's Chat AI. According to MalwareBytes, searching for Advanced IP Scanner will get you the result as requested but a malicious ad will be displayed when hovering over the link. Those unfamiliar with Bing search results especially on its AI interaction might get complacent and end up downloading the wrong software.
When a user clicks on a malicious link, the user is sent to a fake website and the downloaded software comes with a script that calls out a specific IP address. The IP address is suspected to call out additional payload.
Aside from Advanced IP Scanner it was also noted that MyCase Law Manager also yields the same malicious advertisement. The URL (mynetfolder-dot-cfd) will redirect users to the fake website (advanced-ip-scanner-dot-com).
No reports of an attack from these sites have been reported for now. However, it is clear that malicious intent is in the fake ads because it tries to dupe users into downloading from a different source and security check has resulted in calling out to an IP address.
Preventing a Malware Attack
Avoiding and preventing any malware attack should always be in anyone's mind, especially those handling sensitive information online. A successful attack could range from controlling users' devices remotely to completely stealing personal and financial information. Malwares and their makers always look for loopholes where they can initiate an attack without users' awareness.
Preventing a malware attack is relatively simple especially when a user is fully aware there's always danger lurking online. It's always a no-no to click on any unknown website as they might lead to unauthorized access such as some of the malicious ads included in a Bing AI Chat. An updated device with all the security features included should also help in preventing any type of problems related to malware and viruses.
Network side, administrators can also include firewalls to properly protect users within its network. But installation and implementation are two separate ideas - network administrators have to make sure they are properly installed to prevent any types of loopholes that could be later exploited. Installation of additional protection such as multi-factor authentication and email protection is also a prerogative.
For now, legit-looking ads that might contain malware could still be found in Bing Chat AI search results. It's important to think twice before clicking any of the links to prevent any malware attacks.
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