In summary:
- PCWorld reports that Malwarebytes has launched a ChatGPT integration allowing users to receive direct feedback on potential security threats within the chatbot.
- The integration leverages Malwarebytes’ threat engine to screen messages, links, and files for scams and phishing attacks, similar to their existing Scam Guard tool.
- This development highlights the growing need for enhanced security measures as scammers increasingly exploit AI platforms to target unsuspecting users.
AI doesn’t always give accurate answers—much less specific. Meanwhile, security software sometimes gets outright ignored. You wouldn’t think combining the two would make for a solid match, but Malwarebytes is proving me wrong.
Recently, the venerable security software maker launched a ChatGPT integration, one that allows the chatbot’s users to get direct feedback on potential security threats. No more asking AI for help identifying scams or suspicious files. When active, this integration leverages Malwarebyte’s actual threat engine.
So when you ask ChatGPT about messages and links using language like Malwarebytes, is this a scam?, the query will access Malwarebytes’s security database for screening before returning a detailed assessment. If fed the information, ChatGPT will also relay warnings about suspicious domains and phone numbers that signal a possible phishing attack. And file uploads can be passed to Malwarebytes for evaluation, too.
But while this ChatGPT tie-in is new, Malwarebytes scam detection tools actually are not.
The public already could access a slightly better version of these scanning capabilities. Malwarebytes’ Scam Guard tool, which is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android users, performs the same tasks as above—but with the added benefit of being able to directly screen text messages on iOS devices for scams and phishing. (A web interface version is coming later this year, too.) And Malwarebytes’ free browser extension, Browser Guard, helps protect PCs from threats like phishing sites, infostealers, and trackers.
Malwarebytes
In fact, a Malwarebytes representative says that in Scam Guard, users benefit from “special scam-specific guidance,” and that the company will be able to include deeper integrations within its own software and tools. Translation: You won’t need to work as hard to actively spot and avoid online threats. Your security software is working toward handling more of the heavy lifting.
That is a trend I’ve seen across all security software when I’ve talked to different vendors. Personally, I think that’s the better approach—one that eases the burden on computational resources, the environment, and your time.
So, why the integration with ChatGPT? When asked, the same spokesperson told me, “We are looking at this as a way to help tackle scams by supporting where they are.” Given how many people have turned to chatbots to help with everyday tasks, that’s a fair point.
How to turn on Malwarebytes within ChatGPT
PCWorld
This integration works by activating a connection between Malwarebytes and ChatGPT. To get started, you’ll need to:
- Log into ChatGPT
- Choose Apps.
- Search for and select Malwarebytes, then press Connect.
After the integration is active, you can then start to ask Malwarebytes for help screening messages or other possibly suspicious items.
Author: Alaina Yee, Senior Editor, PCWorld
A 15-year veteran of technology and video games journalism, Alaina Yee covers a variety of topics for PCWorld. Since joining the team in 2016, she’s written about CPUs, Windows, PC building, Chrome, Raspberry Pi, and much more—while also serving as PCWorld’s resident bargain hunter (#slickdeals). Currently her focus is on security, helping people understand how best to protect themselves online. Her work has previously appeared in PC Gamer, IGN, Maximum PC, and Official Xbox Magazine.