SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) Assistant Professor of Network and Computer Security: Cybersecurity Dr. Zahid Akhtar and Graduate Student Hannah Szmurlo have published research titled, “Digital Sentinels and Antagonists: The Dual Nature of Chatbots in Cybersecurity,” in MDPI’s Information journal. The research highlights the need for robust measures to secure chatbot technologies while leveraging their potential to improve cybersecurity defenses. It also underscores the importance of developing strategies to mitigate the misuse of chatbots by adversaries.

Their research argues the following: Chatbots can enhance cybersecurity defenses by providing real-time threat responses and augmenting existing security measures; Adversaries exploit chatbots for advanced cyberattacks, including phishing, malware, and social engineering; The implementation of censorship systems is often bypassed by malicious actors; and that the duality of chatbots presents both opportunities and challenges in the cybersecurity landscape.

Furthermore, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the dual nature of chatbots in cybersecurity, contributing to the understanding of their potential benefits and risks. It offers valuable insights for developing balanced approaches to maximize the positive applications of chatbots while minimizing their misuse.

Read more