Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the things we can do and how we do them. Today almost any desired communication can be quickly and easily generated with the use of AI large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. As one would expect, the bots excel at technical writing. Chatbot LLMs can be prompted to write anything from error-free computer code to legal briefs (not to mention student homework). LLMs can even help fill in for more personal communications.

A recent episode of the animated television series South Park mocked the use of ChatGPT to generate plausible excuses and romantic text messages that were far more persuasive and compelling than anything the characters could come up with by themselves. Just as can be done in real life, the children repeatedly used AI-generated messages to fool and manipulate others, concerned only that their nefarious AI communication power remain a secret.

Unfortunately, the power of AI to do bad things is not a secret. Cyber criminals are already at work using these tools to groom and streamline so-called "social engineering" attacks, to make them trickier and more plausible than ever before.