Security for Chatbots

April 4, 2024 News

Why Target Chatbots?

A major use of chatbots is to gather information on your customers’ preferences and use that to hone your products and services. For that very same reason, cybercriminals will also target your chatbots, as customer data is valuable to others as well. Certain parts of it, including when users input their whole legal name, geolocation, or payment details, may include sensitive personal data.

Security Risk Examples

• Vulnerabilities in the Source Code: Hackers can use this to tamper directly with the
  data, steal it, or even delete everything permanently. It can also go undetected by the
  developers for long periods of time, making it hard to trace.
• API Vulnerability: You’re probably using an application programming interface (API)
  integration to add a chatbot to your website. Specific parameters and protocols can
  be used to facilitate communication between your website and the chatbot software.
• A data bridge connecting your web application to users is what an API is like. By
  taking advantage of these weaknesses, hackers can get unauthorized access to
  confidential data, including passwords and private client information.
• Data Set Poisoning: Chatbots depend on the vast amount of data they are exposed
  to, much the same way a child is formed by its environment. Therefore, if you
  introduce bad data into the data set, you can also malform the behavior of the
  chatbot.
• Malware: By taking advantage of the chatbot’s flaws, malware can be distributed
  more frequently than any other method. For instance, hackers might upload a file
  containing malware if a chat system permits users to contribute documents or
  photographs. Once inside, they can use the database to steal data or trick users into
  clicking on harmful links or downloading infected files by manipulating the system.