Spooked By AI Threats? Here’s What’s Actually Worth Worrying About

AI is transforming the way we conduct business at an unprecedented pace. While this technological leap is exciting, it also opens doors for cybercriminals who have equal access to these powerful AI tools. Let's illuminate some of the hidden threats lurking in the shadows.

Beware of Video Chat Doppelgängers: The Rise of Deepfakes

Deepfakes powered by AI have reached astonishing levels of realism, enabling threat actors to exploit them in sophisticated social engineering attacks targeting companies.

For example, a recent incident involved an employee at a cryptocurrency foundation being targeted in a Zoom meeting by AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating senior executives. These fake leaders instructed the employee to install a Zoom extension granting microphone access, ultimately facilitating a North Korean cyber-intrusion.

Such scams undermine traditional verification protocols. To guard against them, stay vigilant for signs like inconsistent facial features, unusual lighting, or unexpected long pauses during calls.

Phishing Emails Evolved: AI Crafting More Convincing Scams

Phishing has long been a cybersecurity challenge, but AI-generated emails now eliminate many telltale signs such as spelling mistakes or poor grammar, making malicious emails harder to detect.

Furthermore, attackers integrate AI translation tools into their phishing kits, enabling them to localize scams across multiple languages and expand their reach efficiently.

Despite this evolution, traditional defense measures remain effective. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a crucial security layer, as attackers rarely control associated devices like your phone. Additionally, ongoing security awareness training equips employees to recognize symptoms such as urgent tones in messages that often signal phishing attempts.

Malicious "AI" Software: Dangerous Facades Disguised as Tools

Hackers are exploiting the AI craze by distributing fake AI software that entices users with popular trends or timely events, only to infect systems with malware.

For instance, a TikTok campaign offering "cracked software" to bypass activation for apps like ChatGPT via PowerShell commands was uncovered as a malware distribution scheme by security researchers.

To protect your organization, rely on security awareness training and always have your Managed Service Provider (MSP) vet any new AI applications before downloading or deploying them.

Ready to Eliminate AI-Driven Threats From Your Business?

Click here or give us a call at (973) 575-4950 to schedule your free Consultation today and let's talk through how to protect your team from the scary side of AI ... before it becomes a real problem.