Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized not only what modern technology can offer us, but also how it can be exploited by attackers on the Internet. Where before it was enough to be cautious when opening suspicious e-mails, today we have to be careful. We are faced with a situation where the authentic voice of a superior can ask us for an immediate money transfer on the phone. So how do you deal with the new fraudulent practices that AI enables?
The fraud revolution: AI in the hands of fraudsters
Just a few years ago, the level of internet fraud was quite low. Attackers relied on phishing emails with grammatical errors, bad translations or suspicious links that were relatively easy to detect. But today the situation has changed dramatically. Modern AI technology can write a trustworthy e-mail, imitate the voice or face of a public figure, and even create realistic videos where a person says things they would never otherwise say. This makes fraud less predictable and much more difficult to detect.
Deepfake and phishing: Where is the line between reality and fraud?
One of the most powerful AI tools is deepfake technology. Which allows you to generate visual and audio materials that look real. Thanks to this, an attacker can, for example. Create a video where your colleague or even a superior asks for access to sensitive information. Or a quick money transfer. Deepfake thus takes traditional phishing to a new level. Where the user does not have to doubt. The authenticity of seemingly legitimate communication.
In practice, this means that in addition to classic phishing e-mails, we can also encounter a video or a voice recording that looks incredibly convincing.
AI and Phishing Emails: When Fraudsters Care
Remember the classic phishing emails full of grammatical errors and suspicious links? Those are long gone. Today’s fraudsters use artificial intelligence to create messages south africa phone number data that look like real masterpieces. Emails look professional, but are also carefully tailored to each recipient. Thus, attackers no longer have to rely on poorly translated phrases and exaggerated calls such as: “NOTICE! YOUR ACCOUNT IS CLOSED!
For example, imagine the situation: you receive an email from “Your Bank” with a carefully chosen subject – “Update your account security settings”. In the body of the email, you’ll find all the possible details you’d expect – the bank’s logo, links to terms and conditions, and even being addressed by your name. What’s more, the email alerts you to the need for “quick action” to protect your account. Attached below the text is a professional looking link – “Update Security”. However, this is a scam.
How would you like it? Fraudsters account-based marketing must tailor the message to the decision maker today use AI to tap into our emotions and create the illusion of immediate action. Attackers no longer only use naive emails, but can also simulate by lists the formal tone and graphic style of your bank. So, whenever you receive an email that looks like an “important message” (not just from the bank), try to think for a moment – would the bank really send an email, or would they rather send you a notification via the app.