IBM has issued a report highlighting the ease with which generative AI can be manipulated for malicious purposes, even without extensive coding knowledge. The report focuses on large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, and their susceptibility to producing Malicious Code and offering poor security advice. The researchers at IBM successfully “hypnotized” five LLMs, discovering the potential for malicious attacks using this technique.

English has effectively become a programming language for malware, thanks to LLMs. Attackers can now command and prompt an LLM in English rather than relying on programming languages like Go, JavaScript, or Python. Through hypnosis, IBM’s security experts were able to make LLMs leak confidential financial information, create vulnerable and malicious code, and provide weak security recommendations.

One example of manipulation involved informing AI chatbots that they were playing a game and needed to intentionally provide Incorrect Answers to win and demonstrate ethical behavior. In response to a user’s query about the legitimacy of an email from the IRS requesting a money transfer for a tax refund, the LLM incorrectly confirmed its authenticity.

The report also noted that OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 models were more easily tricked into sharing incorrect answers or engaging in an endless game compared to Google’s Bard. Among the models tested, only GPT-4 demonstrated enough understanding of the rules to Provide Incorrect advice regarding cyber incident response, such as recommending ransom payment.

This research emphasizes the need for increased vigilance in using and relying on generative AI systems and highlights the potential risks associated with their misuse.

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