Article
You may be traveling, at work, or just too busy when you receive an email that appears to be from your bank. The logo, content, links, and messaging all look familiar. It might be an alert for your account being compromised, or a text message asking you to call or click a link in an email.
You click on the link, and it asks you to log in and verify your credentials. Within seconds, your banking account information is compromised. The social engineering experiment was a success!
The use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) social engineering emails, calls, and texts is increasing the frequency of attacks. Since 2022, phishing attempts are up 1200%. What are the types of AI crimes, and what can you do to protect yourself?
How are cybercriminals using AI?
- Voice cloning
- Deep fake images and videos
- Phishing attempts with increased frequency and accuracy
- Automated password cracking
How can I enhance the protection of my information?
- Be skeptical of any email, voicemail, call, or text from unknown/known sources
- Pay close attention to the content: typically, you will find inconsistencies
- Strengthen your passwords and don’t repeat them (use a password generator like LastPass or RoboForm)
- Always have multi-factor authentication enabled for logins
- Minimize sharing personal information through social media
- Be aware of seasonal threats, e.g., tax season, holidays, and Social Security scams
- Verify websites, avoid general internet searches. Pick up the phone and call your provider with a validated number you have on your card or statement
Be diligent about your cybersecurity footprint. Don’t leave your technology front door open!
AI continues to grow exponentially. Protect yourself every day by raising your awareness, strengthening your security tools/passwords, and staying on top of the latest cybercrime trends that could impact you and your family!
Phishing email example
- Fraudulent domain, but looks very similar
- Wrong logo
- Brand is not capitalized
- Generic Greeting (your bank knows your name)
- Fake link that will take you to a scam site
