Google Fights Scammers Using Bard Hype To Spread Malware (theverge.com) 5
Google is suing scammers who are trying to use the hype around generative AI to trick people into downloading malware, the company has announced. From a report: In a lawsuit filed today in California, the company says individuals believed to be based in Vietnam are setting up social media pages and running ads encouraging users to "download" its generative AI service Bard. The download actually delivers malware to the victims, which steals social media credentials for the scammers to use. "Defendants are three individuals whose identities are unknown who claim to provide, among other things, 'the latest version' of Google Bard for download," the lawsuit reads.
"Defendants are not affiliated with Google in any way, though they pretend to be. They have used Google trademarks, including Google, Google AI, and Bard to lure unsuspecting victims into downloading malware onto their computers." The lawsuit notes that scammers have specifically used promoted Facebook posts in an attempt to distribute malware. Similar to crypto scams, the lawsuit highlights how interest in an emerging technology can be weaponized against people who may not fully understanding how it operates.
"Defendants are not affiliated with Google in any way, though they pretend to be. They have used Google trademarks, including Google, Google AI, and Bard to lure unsuspecting victims into downloading malware onto their computers." The lawsuit notes that scammers have specifically used promoted Facebook posts in an attempt to distribute malware. Similar to crypto scams, the lawsuit highlights how interest in an emerging technology can be weaponized against people who may not fully understanding how it operates.
Poorly worded headline (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Poorly worded headline (Score:5, Informative)
Google Fights Scammers Who Use Bard Hype To Spread Malware
There you go. Don't blame English.
Re: (Score:3)
And I know this is a little bit cynical, but why do I feel that this is more about some lawyer needing to make an end of the year quota on the number of lawsuits he files rather than an actual attempt to do something about the issue.
Re: (Score:2)
I wasn't even aware that Google had come out with a new version of Bard, named Hype.
Re: (Score:2)
That would indicate Google doing something honest. I do not think the do that "honesty" thing anymore.