ESET adds AI security layers to protect against chatbot scams and agent risks

Defending against AI-generated threats

ESET has updated its security software for consumers and small businesses to include a dedicated AI Security layer. This new protection is specifically designed to counter risks that emerge when people use large language models and autonomous software. The company aims to help users navigate the growing landscape of AI-driven scams and cyber threats.

One primary focus of this update is AI Conversation Security. This feature examines the links provided in responses from tools like ChatGPT to see if they lead to phishing sites or other unwanted sources. It serves as a warning system for users who might otherwise click on a link that appears helpful but is actually malicious.

Beyond just checking links, the software also scans scripts generated by AI models. Because many users ask AI to write code for them, there is a risk of executing harmful commands without realizing it. ESET's tool helps identify these unsafe scripts before they can be run on a user's device.

Monitoring autonomous AI agents

As software becomes more autonomous, ESET is introducing AI Agent Security to monitor what these tools do independently. This feature tracks what an AI agent accesses or downloads before it actually executes a command. It acts as a gatekeeper for files and external URLs that the agent might try to interact with during its tasks.

To provide deeper protection, the company also included AI Behavioral Monitoring. This technology continuously watches the activity of AI agents to spot unusual actions or suspicious access attempts. It looks for patterns that deviate from expected behavior, such as a tool suddenly trying to access sensitive files or downloading from a questionable source.

The company also released a free online tool called the AI Skills Checker. This tool allows users to test third-party add-ons that expand the functionality of AI applications. It uses the same technology as the agent security layer to check for signs of risky behavior before a user installs the new skill.

Browser privacy and mobile expansion

The update includes new privacy features for web browsing called Browser Screen Protection. This tool is designed to stop unauthorized screenshots, screen recordings, and screen sharing on a user's device. It is intended to keep sensitive information safe from malware that might try to capture private data during online banking or shopping.

ESET also announced plans to bring its mobile security to the iOS platform. The upcoming app will offer both free and premium versions to protect users from malicious websites and unsafe Wi-Fi connections. While the app is currently waiting for approval from the Apple App Store, its availability may vary depending on the region.

The free version of the mobile app will include a Link Checker and a Device Scan. The Link Checker compares URLs against a database of known malicious links, while the Device Scan provides a one-click overview of the phone's security settings. It identifies issues like missing permissions or incorrect configurations that could leave the device vulnerable.

Tools for small business management

For small organizations, ESET Small Business Security is adding a new feature called Web Control. This allows business owners to set specific restrictions on which websites their employees can visit. It is a tool for managing digital safety and ensuring that staff stay on productive, safe parts of the internet.

Businesses can use Web Control to block pages that contain offensive material or content that might infringe on intellectual property rights. It also provides a way to limit access to websites that the company deems a distraction to employee productivity. This gives small offices more granular control over their corporate network environment.

These updates reflect a broader trend of security companies moving toward proactive threat detection. By combining AI-specific defenses with traditional web filtering and mobile protection, ESET is attempting to cover the various ways modern users interact with technology. The company plans to expand its AI support to include other major models like Gemini and Copilot in the future.