Artificial intelligence has dramatically changed how we run our businesses and our lives but there is a dark side to AI. It has created alarming security risks since hackers now use this technology for their purposes. There has been a significant jump in the number of data breaches recently. Most cyber attacks are socially engineered, meaning criminals create cyber attacks that prey on our fears. AI allows crooks to create an almost unlimited amount of scams and attacks that can fool the most trained security professional. Building your human firewall to prevent you from falling from attacks is a must if you want to protect yourself from the almost endless amount of threats and attacks out there. Here's what you need to know:
You need to know what you are up against. One of the steps you need to take to prevent AI-based cyber attacks is through awareness. You don’t need to have the same level of knowledge that hackers have, but you should at least be aware of how they are using AI to target you. Cybercrooks use AI algorithms and tools to create malware, automate attacks, generate phishing emails, and avoid detection. Cybercriminals are also taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of AI-based security systems, using them to gain unlawful access and create security breaches.
Here are the AI-based attacks you should be aware of:
AI-Powered Social Engineering: This is arguably the most potent threat. AI can automate and personalize social engineering attacks, making them incredibly convincing. Imagine receiving a perfectly crafted phishing email that uses information gleaned from your social media to impersonate a trusted colleague, or an AI chatbot on a website that subtly manipulates you into revealing your password.
Deepfake Attacks: Deepfakes are rapidly improving in quality, and their use in cyber attacks is on the rise. They can be used to impersonate CEOs or other high-ranking individuals to authorize fraudulent transactions or manipulate employees. The potential for deepfakes to cause financial damage and erode trust is immense.
AI-Driven Malware: AI can be used to create malware that is more evasive and adaptable. Polymorphic malware, which can change its code to avoid detection, becomes even more dangerous when AI is used to automate this process. This can lead to malware that is harder to detect and remove.
AI-Assisted Phishing: Phishing attacks are a major problem, but AI can make them even more effective. AI can generate highly personalized phishing emails that are more likely to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links or revealing sensitive information.
Personalized Phishing: Cyber criminals can use personalized messages and impersonation to make you believe what they’re sending is real. Phishing is the most basic yet the most common way in which not just individuals but also large businesses get compromised.
CAPTCHA Cracking: AI algorithms have the power to solve CAPTCHAs just like humans. They can steal sensitive information by hacking into any account that is only CAPTCHA-protected.
Brute Force Attacks: AI can crack passwords and enter into your network or system with brute force. It's easier for cyber criminals to use AI and crack passwords, especially if they have been analyzing your digital footprint.
Keystroke Listening: AI has the power to listen to your keystrokes, analyze patterns and guess your password with 95% accuracy.
How to Protect Against AI-Powered Attacks?
With malicious threat actors actively using AI, it’s essential to know how to protect yourself and stay one step ahead at all times. Here are the five things you need to do to minimize your chances of getting hacked:
1. Use common sense. Cybersecurity common sense boils down to being cautious and aware. Be wary of unexpected emails, calls, or pop-ups, and always think before you click on links or open attachments. Protect your personal information by using strong passwords, being mindful of what you share online, and never sharing financial details over unsecured channels. Be aware of common scams like phishing and spoofing, and remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt about anything online, err on the side of caution and don't engage.
1. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an added layer of security that is non-negotiable in the age of AI. You have to provide two (sometimes even more) different forms of identification to log in to an account. With all those precautions, it becomes very unlikely that a cybercriminal will be able to gain easy access to your accounts and money, even if they happen to breach your password.
2. Stop Using Passwords and start using Passphrases and Passkeys. When it comes to creating passwords, you will use things that are related to you and facts you share on social media. Passphrases are two unrelated words that create a strong password. Passkeys use biometrics (identification from fingerprints or facial recognition) Never use the same passphrases for different accounts, and use a password manager if you can’t remember them all. Don’t save passwords in your browser for convenience.
Hopefully, this will give you tips to help you avoid AI-based scams. Remember, the key to staying safe in this digital age is to stay informed and always be one step ahead of potential threats. Safeguarding your personal and financial information is not just a necessity—it's a responsibility. Stay vigilant, stay updated, and stay secure.If you have any questions, please reach out. I'm always available.
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