How to Use AI to Check for Scams and Viruses

You receive a text message saying you missed a parcel delivery. It includes a link. You are not sure if it is a genuine message or a scam.

If you click it, you risk downloading a virus. If you ignore it, you might miss your package.

Instead of guessing, you can now use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to check it for you. Security companies are connecting their antivirus scanners directly to AI chatbots.

We will explain how this new technology works. We will show you how to use an AI assistant to spot scams and check dodgy links before you click them.

The Problem: AI Chatbots Cannot Scan for Malware

Many people already use AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini. It is tempting to paste a strange link into these chatbots and ask, “Is this safe?”

However, standard AI models just generate text. They do not have the ability to actively scan a website for hidden malicious code. If you ask a standard AI if a link is safe, it is only guessing based on the text of the web address. It cannot protect you from a live, active threat.

This is a problem because scams are increasing. The Australian Signals Directorate noted in early 2026 that scam text messages (smishing) continue to be a primary method for stealing personal data. You need a tool that actually checks the destination, not just the text.

How Antivirus Connects to AI

Security companies are now fixing this blind spot. They are building bridges between their live virus scanners and AI chatbots.

A perfect example in 2026 is the new connection between the AI assistant Claude and the security software Malwarebytes.

Here is how this combination works. You paste a suspicious link into the AI chat. The AI does not guess. Instead, it securely sends that link to the antivirus scanner in the background. The scanner checks the website against live databases of known scams and malware.

Once the scan finishes, the AI reads the technical results and tells you the answer in plain English. It translates complex security jargon into a simple “safe” or “dangerous” warning.

How to Set Up an AI Security Checker

This is a brand-new feature in 2026, and you usually need two things to make it work.

First, you need an AI assistant that supports external tools. The free version of Claude is one of the first major platforms to offer this.

Second, you need a compatible security app, like the one from Malwarebytes.

1. Open Claude and go to Customize > Connectors.
2. Click the + button and select Browse connectors.
3. Search for Malwarebytes and click Connect.

Once connected, Claude can use Malwarebytes tools in your conversations right away. No Malwarebytes account is required.

Real-World Ways to Use an AI Security Checker

Once you have the tool set up, how do you actually use it? Here are three common situations where a connected AI chatbot can save you from a major headache.

Checking Dodgy SMS Links

You get a text message claiming to be from Australia Post or a toll road service. It says you owe a small fee and provides a link. Instead of clicking it on your phone, copy the link. Paste it into your AI on your computer and ask, “Is this link safe?” The AI will scan the destination and warn you if it is a known phishing scam.

Verifying Strange Emails

Scammers often send fake invoices or warnings claiming your bank account is locked. You can paste the sender’s email address and any suspicious links from the email into the AI. It will check the domain and tell you if it belongs to a legitimate company or if it is a clever fake designed to steal your details.

Researching Unknown Software Downloads

Sometimes you need to download a tool from a website you do not know. Before you click download and install the file on your PC, you can ask the AI to investigate the download link. The connected antivirus scanner will verify if the file is clean or if it is hiding malware

AI Cannot Fix Everything (When You Still Need a Pro)

These AI security tools are fantastic for prevention. They act as an intelligent warning system to stop you from making a mistake and clicking a bad link.

However, prevention is not the same as a cure.

If you already clicked a dodgy link on your phone, or if an info-stealer virus is already hiding on your computer’s hard drive, an AI chatbot cannot help you. It cannot reach inside your computer’s system files to find and delete the infection.

You still need traditional, active antivirus software running on your PC at all times and if your computer is already infected, understanding common security mistakes is no longer enough; you need proper virus removal.

Need Expert Security Help in Adelaide?

Using AI to check links is a great new way to defend yourself online. But dealing with a computer that is already compromised requires hands-on expert help.

If you suspect your computer is infected with malware, or you need help setting up proper security software to protect your data, Computer Expert Adelaide is here for you.

We provide deep virus removal and complete security audits for both home users and businesses. Give us a call today to ensure your systems are safe and secure.