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last mo.

AI-Powered Spam Campaign Exploiting OpenAI Shut Down After Targeting 80,000 Websites

The AkiraBot operation, which used OpenAI's chatbot to bypass spam filters and target small businesses, was halted after researchers alerted OpenAI to the abuse.

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Overview

  • Cybersecurity firm SentinelOne uncovered a spam campaign using AkiraBot to exploit OpenAI's chat API and evade spam detection systems.
  • The operation targeted small and medium-sized businesses, delivering customized spam messages through contact forms and chat widgets.
  • AkiraBot successfully sent spam to over 80,000 websites and attempted to target approximately 420,000 sites between September 2024 and early 2025.
  • OpenAI revoked the spammers' account after being notified by SentinelOne, acknowledging the violation of its terms of service.
  • The case highlights the risks of AI misuse, prompting calls for stronger safeguards to prevent abuse while maintaining the benefits of advanced AI tools.