For this blog post, Get Cyber Safe has partnered with the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA), who, like us, understands how important cyber security is to businesses as well as individuals. This blog presents our shared perspective, and we thank them for being a dedicated partner in the cyber security of Canadians.
Technology is evolving quickly, especially when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI). AI can be useful for things like writing a fun song to cheer up a friend, there are also risks. Cyber criminals also find that AI can be a useful tool.
Here are some new ways cyber criminals are using AI to trick people into falling for their scams and some practical tips on how to stay safe.
Enhanced phishing attacks
Phishing is still one of the most common ways cyber criminals trick people into giving up their money and information. As AI gets more advanced, phishing messages are getting harder to spot. While typos can be an easy way to identify phishing, AI can now create messages that seem more legitimate.
This can help make their phishing messages sound more personal and convincing. For example, AI can scan social media profiles and other online accounts to create messages that mention specific details (like an person's job, pet or friends and family members). AI can even find your address and use a picture of your house in a scam email to make you think they have access to your home's smart camera. AI can automate tasks to make it easier for cyber criminals to send mass messages to people who share similar interests to increase their reach.
While phishing is getting harder to spot, there are still many red flags that cyber criminals can't hide with AI. Always be on the lookout for signs like requests for money, suspicious links and attachments and incorrect email addresses or domain names. Remember that your bank will never send you an email or call you on the phone asking you to share personal information like your password, the one-time passcode to access your account, credit or debit card number or your mother's maiden name.
And keep in mind that AI technology is evolving. As AI advances, scams might become harder to detect, so it's important to stay vigilant. Trust your gut if something online seems suspicious.
Untraceable content
Another risk with AI is that it can create unique images and videos that can't be confirmed with a reverse image search. Reverse image search tools, like TinEye or Google Lens can reveal if an image has been altered or copied from elsewhere on the internet. But AI tools can now make original images and videos that don't exist anywhere else. This makes it harder to tell where they came from of if they're real.
These visuals created with AI can be used in scams, fake profiles or even spoofed websites. They can also be used in disinformation campaigns, where fake information is spread using misleading images and wording.
It's important to learn so you aren't misled. AI-based images aren't perfect. Be on the lookout for missing, misshapen or misplaced objects or watermarks that show the image was created by AI. In AI videos, you may see strange movements, shadows and blurs. Always check your sources if something doesn't feel right. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
The rise of vishing scams
Vishing, or voice phishing, is when scammers call victims pretending to be trusted organizations or people to steal money and information. AI is now making these scams even more convincing. By creating voice recordings that copy speech patterns and tones, AI can mimic the voices of real people. This technology can imitate someone you trust, like family members or friends, making it harder to catch.
In CanadaFootnote 1, more AI-generated vishing scams have been reported, especially targeting older adults. AI can fake the voice of a loved one in distress to pressure victims to send money or share personal information to help them. Find out more about variations of this scam on the CBA's website. If you find yourself in a similar situation, try to stay calm and remain cautious, even if it sounds real. If anyone calls you with urgent demands for money or information, verify their identity by contacting them through another method. Remember, no law enforcement or government organizations in Canada will demand money or sensitive information over the phone.
Conclusion
As AI continues to evolve, so do the methods used by cyber criminals. Get cyber safe and protect yourself and your loved ones by learning about new tactics and being cautious when you get suspicious messages. By staying alert and understanding how AI is used in cyber scams, you can take steps to protect your personal information.