At this point it goes without saying that the different types of attacks that we can receive on our computers and mobile phones are becoming more and more complex. This means they can access a greater amount of data and are also harder to detect over time.
The main reason for all this is that attackers are improving their malicious campaigns and adapting them to the current times. Now, when there is so much talk about everything related to generative Artificial Intelligence, these cybercriminals have decided to use it for their own benefit.
And one of the leading security companies, ESET, is now warning about the dangers of using AI as bait to deceive us. As has happened in recent decades with other scam methods, we can end up seriously harmed.
Apparently, in recent months, cybercriminals are using this technology to attract new victims. Obviously, one of the main objectives of these techniques is to trick us into stealing personal data and accessing, among other things, our bank accounts. Due to the enormous boom that AI technology is currently experiencing, it is easy for users from all over the world to fall for this new scam model.
How AI tricks us
One of the most used systems at the moment, as a deception, is using fraudulent ads integrated into platforms such as Telegram or Facebook. On these widespread and used platforms, attackers show us different content generated by Artificial Intelligence, such as photos, videos or text. They act as bait for users to click on the links with the promise of being able to generate similar content at no cost.
The reality is that these links redirect them to malicious sites with false promises. From there the deception can vary, but in general terms they promise us access to powerful AI platforms at no cost and just by providing a series of personal data. Obviously, the samples that we see on these platforms and that serve as bait are usually spectacular to attract our attention.
The same security company also points out that generative AI is not having an impact that could be considered significant in the generation of malicious code. This was one of the fears of many companies and end users when these intelligent platforms began to spread. However, cybercriminals have realized that the automatic creation of malicious code is not as effective as they initially thought. They continue to use older techniques for this type of task, that is, by hand.
Avoid scams with AI as bait
In order not to become victims of this type of malicious campaigns, we just have to follow the old advice to avoid the theft of private data. First of all, we should be wary of emails and messages on social networks from strangers. At the same time, we should keep in mind that no one is going to give us anything for free, not even subscriptions to paid platforms or commercial programs. It is more likely that these attractive offers have some hidden bad intention.
Furthermore, if we detect that we click on a link and the URL is suspicious or has nothing to do with the platform offered, we should disconnect as soon as possible. And finally, providing our private data such as banking information to online acquaintances is never a good idea.
