As Constella analyzed in the first part of this blog series, which focused on exhibitions in the emerging AI sector, we’ll delve deeper into the risks and vulnerabilities in this field, along with the threat of Infostealer exposures. Constella has evaluated some of the most relevant and utilized tools in the AI field, revealing concerning Infostealer exposures.

Diving Into the Data: Understanding the Impact

Our analysis exposes a stark reality: Over one million user accounts are at risk, predominantly due to devices infected by Infostealers. Among the compromised data, we’ve identified corporate credentials representing a substantial security threat. This discovery highlights the critical need for strengthened protective measures to safeguard sensitive information.

Through our analysis, we have uncovered significant credential exposures at several AI-focused companies, specifically: Openai, Wondershare, Figma, Zapier, Cutout, Elevenlabs, Huggingface, Make, and Heygen among others.

Understanding the Impact of Infostealer Exposures and Taking Action

A threat actor can exploit exposed credentials from AI companies to orchestrate sophisticated attacks, even if multi-factor authentication (MFA) is in use.

Personal account information, when compromised by an infostealer infection, can be exploited through social engineering strategies such as phishing campaigns. These tactics deceive employees into unwittingly providing access or divulging further confidential details. The stakes are particularly high in AI companies, where such breaches can lead to several specific threats:

1. Data Privacy and Confidentiality Risks: Access to AI tools like ChatGPT by unauthorized parties could result in the exposure of sensitive information, violating confidentiality agreements and privacy norms.

• Surveillance and Tracking: Compromised AI systems could be used for covert surveillance, enabling unauthorized tracking of individuals or organizational activities.

• Model Poisoning: Interference with the training data of AI models by malicious entities can corrupt their outputs, producing biased or harmful results and compromising the integrity of the AI applications.

To safeguard against the risks associated with infostealer infections and enhance security in AI environments, consider implementing the following strategies:

• Regularly Update and Patch Systems: Ensure that all systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches. Regular updates can close vulnerabilities that could be exploited by threat actors.

• Monitor and Audit AI Model Inputs and Outputs: Regularly review the inputs and outputs of AI models to detect any signs of model poisoning or other anomalies that could indicate tampering.
• Limit Data Retention: Establish clear data retention policies to reduce exposure risks.

Constella Intelligence, a pioneer in Deep OSINT investigations, unlocks the power of the deep and dark web to uncover cyber criminals and create the world’s most extensive database of malicious actors. This blog delves into Deep OSINT and explores how Constella Intelligence leverages it for superior Cyber-Investigations, Fraud Detection, and Insider Monitoring. 

Finding Actors Beyond the Surface 

Traditional Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) gathers information from readily available online sources like social media and public records. Deep OSINT ventures far deeper. It delves into the hidden corners of the web, the deep and dark web, uncovering data that was never meant for public eyes. 

Constella Intelligence leverages Deep OSINT to build the world’s largest data lake, which exceeds one trillion digital assets. Even though the raw data from the deep and dark web can be messy and inconsistent, once is processed it can be used at scale:

• Data Normalization Provides Scalability: Constella applies sophisticated data normalization and verification techniques. This ensures the data is formatted consistently and the information is real and not fabricated. Imagine millions of data points from various sources speaking a universal language – that’s the power of data normalization. 

• ID Fusion Algorithms Connect the Dots: Once normalized, Constella’s ID Fusion algorithms take center stage. These advanced algorithms connect the dots, meticulously linking disparate data records into comprehensive profiles of individuals. Social media handles, forum aliases, dark web fingerprints – all these scattered pieces are woven together to create a holistic picture. 

A Digital Treasure Trove for Uncovering Cyber Criminals:  

• Identify Criminals Behind Incidents: After a security incident, Deep OSINT helps identify the perpetrators by tracing their digital footprints across the web. ID Fusion then connects these footprints to build a complete profile of the attacker. Categorization allows you to identify if the attacker is a hacker, a phisher, or an insider based on their past activities and affiliations. 

• Monitor Insider Threats: Mitigate insider threats by uncovering hidden connections, past activities, and potential red flags associated with employees. ID Fusion helps link seemingly unconnected data points to reveal a more comprehensive picture of an employee’s digital footprint, flagging potential insiders. 

• Analyze Third-Party Vendors: Deep OSINT investigations provide a comprehensive analysis of third-party vendors, uncovering potential risks before establishing partnerships. ID Fusion helps ensure a complete vendor profile is established, identifying any inconsistencies or red flags that may indicate money laundering or other illicit activities. 

• Digital Background Checks: Conduct thorough digital background checks on individuals, identifying any concerning activity lurking in the deep and dark web. ID Fusion connects the dots across various data sources to provide a holistic view of the individual’s digital presence, including potential ties to human trafficking or other harmful activities. 

• Advanced KYC (Know Your Customer): Deep OSINT helps verify customer identities with unparalleled thoroughness, uncovering potential discrepancies and preventing fraud. ID Fusion ensures all aspects of a customer’s identity are examined and linked together for a watertight KYC process, identifying potential money launderers or other financial criminals. 

Constella Intelligence’s Database: A Categorized Arsenal Against Malicious Actors 

Constella Intelligence’s database isn’t just vast; it’s meticulously categorized. This categorization allows for targeted searches and identifications. Here’s a glimpse into the malicious actor categories within the database: 

• Hackers: Individuals with advanced technical skills who exploit computer systems for malicious purposes. 
• Carders: Criminals who steal and sell credit card information on the dark web. 
• Hitmen: Individuals who are allegedly hired to commit murder. 
• Pedophiles: Those who engage in illegal activities involving child exploitation.) 
• Phishers: Deceptive individuals who attempt to steal personal information by impersonating legitimate entities. 
• Insiders: Employees or trusted individuals who misuse their access privileges to harm an organization. 
• Money Launderers: Criminals who disguise the source of illegally obtained money. 
• Human Traffickers: Individuals who exploit and trade human beings for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or organ harvesting. 
• Nation-State Actors: Government agencies that engage in cyber espionage or other malicious activities. 

By leveraging Deep OSINT, data normalization, and ID Fusion, Constella Intelligence empowers businesses and security service providers to: 

• Shorten investigation times: Quickly identify the perpetrators behind security incidents. 
• Strengthen insider threat detection: Proactively identify potential insider threats before they can cause harm. 
• Make informed decisions about third-party vendors: Partner with trustworthy vendors who minimize security risks. 
• Conduct comprehensive background checks: Hire with confidence by uncovering any concerning activities in an individual’s digital footprint. 
• Comply with KYC regulations: Ensure robust KYC procedures to prevent money laundering and other financial crimes. 

Deep OSINT: The Future of Security 

Deep OSINT offers a revolutionary approach to security. By integrating Constella Intelligence’s database and expertise into your security measures, you gain a significant advantage in the fight against cybercrime and fraud. Constella Intelligence sets a benchmark for robust digital defense mechanisms in today’s complex threat landscape. 

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: Secure Your Digital World Today 

Deep OSINT is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for robust cybersecurity. Explore how Constella Intelligence can empower you to create new revenue streams, improve customer retention, and ultimately, secure your digital world in the face of ever-evolving threats.