The Dark Web Goes High-Tech with AI

Navigating the Intersection of the Dark Web and Artificial Intelligence

Explore DarkWeb + AI = ?

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Artificial intelligence has changed the way we live and work, making our lives easier and more efficient. But AI’s increasing reliance on the internet to collect and analyze vast amounts of data has also made it more vulnerable to cyberattacks. The dark web, a hidden network of websites and online services, presents a significant threat to AI systems and the information they store. Even today we use

what is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a hidden network of websites and online services that can only be accessed using special software such as Tor. It provides a platform for anonymous and often illegal activities, such as buying and selling stolen data, drugs, and weapons. The dark web operates outside of the reach of traditional law enforcement, making it a safe haven for cybercriminals to launch attacks on AI systems.

AI’s Infiltration on DarkWeb

AI’s Infiltration into the Dark Web

The launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT has been a significant milestone in the AI community. However, its potential has not been lost on cybercriminals. Forums on the dark web buzzed with discussions on harnessing ChatGPT for malicious activities, from jailbreaking the technology to bypassing safety measures to using it for sophisticated cyberattacks.

Recent developments have seen the emergence of standalone AI-powered tools on the dark web, designed specifically for cybercriminals. Two notable examples include:

1. WormGPT: Introduced in July, WormGPT is marketed as a ‘blackhat’ alternative to ChatGPT. It is based on the open-source GPT-J large-language model from 2021. With features like unlimited character inputs and memory retention, it is primarily used for generating phishing emails and writing malicious code.
2. FraudGPT: Appearing shortly after WormGPT, FraudGPT is based on GPT-3 technology. It is designed for writing malicious code, creating undetectable malware, and finding security vulnerabilities. It is particularly focused on high-volume phishing attacks. Sold on the dark web and Telegram, FraudGPT operates similarly to ChatGPT but is designed to facilitate cyberattacks. It lacks the built-in controls of ChatGPT, allowing for more malicious activities. The tool can create bank-related phishing emails, scam landing pages, and even provide information on the most targeted sites or services for hackers.

Spotlight on DarkBERT

While WormGPT and FraudGPT have made waves, other models are also gaining attention:

• DarkBERT: A language model trained on a vast dataset from the dark web, DarkBERT can understand the unique language and jargon of this space. It can monitor the dark web for illegal activities, assist in investigations, and even educate the public about the dark web’s dangers. The model is transformer-based, allowing it to understand even ambiguous or incomplete text. Despite its potential, DarkBERT has its limitations, including potential biases and privacy concerns.

AI and the Dark Web

The dark web has been quick to adopt AI technology, using it to automate and improve various aspects of their operations. For example, AI is being used to create fake identities and profiles for criminal activities, automate the sale and purchase of illegal goods and services, and even enhance the ability to launch cyber-attacks. Additionally, AI algorithms are being trained on dark web data to identify and predict criminal trends, making the dark web more agile in its response to law enforcement efforts.

Recent Examples of AI being used for Unethical Purposes :

1. Deepfake Technology: AI-powered deepfake technology is being utilised on the dark web to create convincing fake videos and images, which can then be used for nefarious/criminal purposes, such as blackmail, fraud, or political propaganda (youtube)
2. Cyberattacks: AI algorithms are being used to automate and enhance the efficiency of cyberattacks, making it easier for dark web criminals to target and exploit vulnerabilities in individuals and organizations.
3. Drug Trafficking: AI is being utilized by drug trafficking organizations to automate and streamline their operations, reducing the risk of detection and allowing them to expand their operations with greater efficiency.
4. Identity Theft: AI algorithms are being used to automate the creation of fake identities, making it easier for dark web criminals to engage in activities such as credit card fraud, phishing, and other forms of identity theft.
5. Automated Hacking and Brute Force Processes: AI algorithms are being utilized to automate and enhance the speed and efficiency of hacking and brute force processes, making it easier for dark web criminals to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information and systems.

Currently selling AI-powered tools on the dark web. These tools include:

• Fraudulent credit card generators
• Deepfake generators
• Malware development tools
• Automated hacking tools
• Cryptocurrency fraud tools

Threats On Dark Web

Threats on the Dark Web :

The dark web presents a number of threats to AI systems, including data theft, manipulation, and destruction. The vast amounts of data collected and analyzed by AI systems is valuable to cybercriminals, who can sell it on the dark web for profit. In addition, hackers can manipulate AI systems to alter their analysis and decision-making processes, potentially causing harm to businesses and individuals. The most severe threat is the complete destruction of AI systems, which can be achieved through malware or other malicious software. The Possiblities are Endless to Exploit this techonology for Unethical purposes.

Recent Reported Incidents

1. The researchers reported the discovery of a new type of AI-based malware called Poseidon on the dark web.
2. ChatGPT being Misused on the Dark Web as a Malicious chatter, A recent incident has raised concerns over the potential misuse of AI technologies on the dark web. A man was reported to have asked ChatGPT, to write a script for bypassing a bank’s API. This incident highlights the potential for AI technologies to be used for malicious purposes, particularly on the dark web where anonymity and illegal activities are rampant.
3. AI-Generated Illicit Content: The dark web has seen a surge in individuals using AI to produce adult content. Advanced algorithms, which can generate realistic images and videos, are being exploited to create disturbing content that’s hard to distinguish from real-life footage.
4. FraudGPT: (The Malicious AI Chatbot) Building on the capabilities of popular AI chatbots, dark web vendors have introduced malicious versions like FraudGPT. This chatbot is designed to helps black hat hackers in their malicious endeavors. From crafting convincing phishing campaigns to generating undetectable malware, this AI tool offers a suite of services that make cybercrimes more sophisticated and challenging to combat.
5. Bypassing Ethical Guardrails: While many AI tools come with ethical safeguards to prevent misuse, the dark web is rife with versions of these tools stripped of such protections. These jailbroken AI tools can be exploited for a range of malicious activities, from writing socially engineered emails to creating harmful software. even ChatGPT can also be used for this by using DAN.

These are just a few examples of how AI is being used on the dark web for malicious purposes, and they demonstrate the potential dangers posed by the convergence of AI and the dark web. As AI technologies continue to advance, it is likely that we will see more and more examples of AI being used in unethical and harmful ways, making it all the more important for individuals and organizations to be aware of these threats and to take steps to protect themselves.

Hacker on Dark Web

Conclusion:

The integration of AI into the dark web has significant implications for society, enabling a new level of criminal sophistication and organization. It is imperative that law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals stay ahead of the curve in combating this evolving threat, by continuously updating their tactics and technologies. As AI continues to advance, so will the threat posed by the dark web, making it imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to counter this threat. India is a major source of AI training on users data , it is crucial for the country to prioritise the swift implementation of regulations for AI usage and data security. India does not have an up-to-date law to protect data, so it is important to create a stronger one that meets today’s needs.