Chat Archives

Warning: Hackers are spreading malware through Bing AI

When you want to find a scammer, follow the money. Remember when Microsoft rolled out Bing Chat, backed by OpenAI’s GPT-4, in February 2023? They wanted to shake things up and go smack up against Google. Yeah, I used the words Microsoft Bing for once in my life without laughing.

It was all AI chat-like until Microsoft decided to splash ads into the chat, hoping to make some extra bucks. But guess what? Some sneaky cybercriminals have jumped on the ad-wagon using it as a golden opportunity to spread malware! Yup, scammers are buying ads from Microsoft to steal your data and money.

Here’s the nitty-gritty

Bing AI-based chat feels more like a convo with a buddy than a search engine. It’s friendly. It’s chatty. That’s the catch! This personal touch can make you let your guard down. And when an ad pops up in chat, you might think it’s more reliable than it actually is.

The problem is that these ads, sometimes disguised as legit download sites, can be downright nasty. Malwarebytes caught a wicked ad pretending to be a download link for a tool called Advanced IP Scanner.

Instead of getting the legit tool, you’d be directed to a dodgy site that checks if you’re human (yes, they’re that clever), then sends you to a fake, misspelled version of the actual site. The download? You get one, alright. It’s packed with malware scripts to steal your info or give hackers a free pass to your banking, shopping and other online accounts.

🚨 Action steps

It’s not just Bing. You really need to be alert on any AI app or platform you use, anything from ChatGPT to MidJourney.

Trust, but verify: Just because it’s chat-like doesn’t mean it’s your friend. Always double-check links and download sources.
Watch for typos: ‘Advenced’ isn’t just a typo. It’s a trap! Always check URLs for crafty misspellings.
Ads in chat: If you see a promoted result or ads in Bing Chat, take a moment to hover and inspect before clicking.
Protection First: Ensure your antivirus is always updated. I recommend TotalAV for an extra layer of protection. It’s just $19 for the first year.

This isn’t the last time hackers will get creative. Stick with me and you’ll always stay updated on cybersecurity threats to be a step ahead. Stay sharp and surf safely, techies!

All the companies collecting your info to train AI

Aliens might be on their way, but the robots are very much here. The apps you rely on every day use your data in many ways. The latest craze? Your data’s making a whole lot of robots a whole lot smarter.

Earlier this month, Zoom users discovered the app was using data from video calls to train its artificial intelligence (AI). It didn’t go over well, and they quickly backtracked (sort of). Now, we’re all wondering what these companies are really up to.

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‘Kim, what do you use for …?’

You asked. Here are my answers.

Holding your passport: I love this passport holder (click the 10% off coupon) because it blocks RFID and also holds an AirTag (17% off today!). It has enough room for your boarding passes, cash and credit cards, too.
Holding your iPad: I use this super-handy tablet stand ($15.97, 20% off!) in my studio to read scripts and in the kitchen to follow recipes, watch shows and video chat with Ian. It has a handy place for the plug.
Keeping safe in hotels: I don’t trust locks in hotel rooms. That’s why I pack a doorstop alarm that emits a loud sound if someone opens the door. Get this two-pack for $11.99 while it’s 33% off.
Protecting your identity: For starters, I shred everything — I mean, every single thing — with my name on it. I’ve used this Amazon Basics shredder ($33, 11% off) a lot for over four years.
Not using gross airplane blankets: That’s why I carry my own travel blanket ($29.95, 14% off) because it’s always cold on planes. This makes a great Mother’s or Father’s Day gift, btw.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

YouTube trick: There might be a good reason you need a solid screenshot of a single frame of a YouTube video. Now, it’s easy to do. Pause the video, right-click on it and select Copy video frame. Sweet! Just paste it into a chat, image editor or document.

AI denies insurance, global ID system & hackers' favorite files

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Plus, Washington Post’s Geoffrey Fowler learned his $123 HP ink cartridges cost $2 to make — I chat with him about it. Ukrainian women are using AI to “honey trap” Russian soldiers. AI thinks it wrote the Constitution, and tools designed to combat constant lateness.

The latest 6-figure side hustle: AI content

Everyone’s favorite AI bot, ChatGPT, is growing fast, with over 100 million users since its release in November. While many are spooked about new technology replacing their jobs, others are grabbing this tiger by the tail and making the most of it.

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Fake ChatGPT apps in Apple's Mac Store

You can have some fun with ChatGPT and even use it to help craft emails, recipes and essays, but there’s one thing you should never do with any chat app.

No surprise here: The hype around ChatGPT has made it a prime target for hackers and scammers. Several fake OpenAI/ChatGPT apps were found on the Mac App Store. The apps mimic the logo and color schemes used by OpenAI. Here’s what you need to know.

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You’ll never believe this: No need to screenshot your weird ChatGPT convos. With “shared links,” whip up a unique URL for your chat and ping it to a friend. Try it!

Put down your phone and talk - it's good for you

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Feeling grumpy or down? Here’s why a good chat might make you feel better, in one minute.

The rules of using chat boxes

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Want to use ChatGPT wisely? Here are the essential tips and pitfalls to avoid, in 60 seconds.

Elon vs. Zuck, computer brain implants & white font trick

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Plus, ChatGPT’s truth-skirting and why it poses risks for everyone. Wonder how TikTok knows what you like? I’ve got answers. I chat with caller Gwen from TX about getting started with her Mac. Tips on dodging fake home listings and getting college cred online.

5 ChatGPT sites to try out

ChatGPT artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot took the world by storm when OpenAI unveiled it last November. That spark of excitement has only grown. With millions of people reaching for ChatGPT for fun and education, developers worldwide have been feverishly crafting new tools to take advantage of it.

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Chat AI legal showdown coming

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Consider this – everything that ChatGPT knows comes from the work of others. Here’s why that’s a big deal, in 60 seconds.

Warning: Fake ChatGPT plugin is stealing Facebook logins

ChatGPT has only been around for a few months, but the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot is all the rage. Unfortunately, criminals use its popularity to spread malware and steal personal information.

Read on for details on the latest fake ChatGPT plugin created to steal your Facebook logins.

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More fake ChatGPT malware spreading – Don't download this

OpenAI’s artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT is an incredible showcase of how we can interact with machines in futuristic ways. The text-based generative AI system can produce stunning results for just about any question or request. Tap or click here for everything you need to know about ChatGPT.

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Security warning: How to spot fake ChatGPT apps hiding malware

Unless you’ve lived under a rock for a few months, you know about ChatGPT. It’s an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot that can write anything from a speech to a fictional TV episode from your favorite series. Tap or click here for everything you need to know.

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Everything you need to know about ChatGPT (and why Google is freaking out)

You’ve probably heard about ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence-powered chatbot that can write anything from a speech to a fictional TV episode from your favorite series. It can help you out of a jam or offer some entertainment value, but it can also hurt you.

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Get on the list to try Bing's new AI chatbot search

Google and Amazon’s virtual assistants are based on AI to give recommendations, and Spotify’s algorithm uses AI to suggest songs and new music. But the power of AI has been thrust into mainstream conversations with ChatGPT’s success.

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Google has revealed more details on Bard, its answer to ChatGPT

ChatGPT, or Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer, is one of artificial intelligence’s (AI) most innovative voices. But did you know that the version everyone’s been playing around with is just a pilot program? OpenAI will be launching a subscription-based plan soon.

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Using AI against us: Hackers can weaponize chatbots to write phishing campaigns

Artificial intelligence has received a lot of attention over the last few weeks. Several platforms have become viral hits for using AI to create art with a one-word prompt or transforming selfies into magical portraits.

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