Scammers Abuse Custom GPT on ChatGPT.com to Deploy Windows RAT via ClickFix Technique
Researchers from Huntress have identified an active campaign in which threat actors created a custom GPT named Plus 5.6 on the legitimate ChatGPT.com platform to distribute a remote access trojan targeting Windows users.
The attack begins when users searching for ChatGPT encounter a sponsored result on Google that leads to the malicious GPT. Once engaged, the bot consistently responds that the main service is experiencing problems and directs victims to a backup domain hosted on Google Sites.
The landing page presents a fake Cloudflare verification screen that activates the ClickFix technique, instructing the user to copy a command and paste it into the Windows Run dialog or terminal. Execution of the command starts a multi-stage infection chain that ultimately deploys a remote access trojan.
The resulting malware grants attackers full remote control of the compromised system, including the ability to browse files, capture screenshots, and activate the webcam and microphone.
Huntress documented at least 40 incidents connected to the specific malicious site used in this campaign. Only two confirmed infections were directly attributed to the custom GPT itself. Following notification, OpenAI removed the first GPT on September 25, yet investigators discovered a replacement instance tied to the same operation just two days later on September 27.
The core deception relies on the trust users place in the official ChatGPT.com domain and its top search ranking, even when the content originates from an unverified third-party author.
Related articles
Google Strengthens Chrome Defenses Against ClickFix Clipboard-Based Scams
Google has updated Chrome to detect and warn users about malicious commands copied to the clipboard as part of ClickFix attacks. These scams trick users into pasting harmful scripts into system tools such as PowerShell under the guise of fixing errors or providing tech support. The new protections activate when Enhanced Protection in Safe Browsing is enabled and send suspicious commands for analysis after removing personal data. Google has also shifted scam page detection from a local Gemini model to a server-side implementation to improve accuracy against fake tech support, antivirus, and browser update sites. The changes make it harder for attackers to bypass browser download checks by abusing clipboard and system console execution. Official details were published in the Google Security Blog.
SPF, DKIM and DMARC: Practical Guide to Detecting Email Spoofing and Phishing
The article explains how email authentication mechanisms SPF, DKIM, and DMARC work together to combat spoofed messages that impersonate trusted services. It provides concrete DNS record examples and shows how to interpret Authentication-Results headers in received emails. SPF verifies authorized sending IP addresses but does not check the visible From address. DKIM adds cryptographic signatures to message content and headers, while DMARC ties these checks to the sender domain visible to users and defines handling policies. The guide also covers common configuration errors, forwarding issues, and why successful authentication does not guarantee message safety. It concludes that these protocols must be combined with additional security measures such as attachment scanning and user awareness training.
JPAAWG 9th General Meeting to Examine AI-Driven Messaging Threats and Global Standards in Tokyo
The Japan Anti-Abuse Working Group will hold its ninth annual General Meeting on November 5-6, 2026, in Tokyo as a hybrid event focused on evolving messaging security challenges. Keynote speaker Tom Bartel from M3AAWG will address worldwide anti-abuse trends and the practical realities of AI-powered attacks and defenses. Sessions will cover the recently standardized DMARCbis specification under RFC 9989, ongoing work on DKIM2 to counter replay attacks, BIMI logo display adoption, and sender guidelines for AI-generated email summaries. Practical workshops will teach DMARC report analysis using real sample data along with related technologies such as ARC, DNSSEC, and MTA-STS. Government agencies including the National Police Agency and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications will also present, alongside a dedicated track on post-quantum cryptography.
Cybercriminals Use Fake WatchGuard VPN Support Site to Steal Credentials Through SEO Poisoning
Cybercriminals created a counterfeit WatchGuard support website that tricked users into entering their VPN server address, username, and password before delivering the legitimate installer. The Huntress team discovered the phishing page while investigating an October 7 incident at a managed service provider. Victims reached the site through Bing search results for terms such as watchguard vpn sll download, which redirected them to the malicious domain watchguard-vpn.net. The page mimicked the official support structure, including FAQs and a download button that led to a credential-harvesting form. The first submission always failed with an Incorrect data message, prompting victims to re-enter their details, after which the real signed client WG-MVPN-SSL_12_11_5.exe was provided. A 150-line JavaScript script silently exfiltrated the credentials via HTTP POST to a secondary domain, leaving no visible signs of compromise on the victim's system. The site, which claimed to be an independent fan site, was taken offline on October 13.