The FBI’s San Francisco office warned the public earlier this week against the “escalating threat” of cyber criminals using AI technology for phishing and scams.
In a statement Wednesday, the FBI said attackers have taken advantage of AI capabilities for phishing campaigns and scams targeting individuals and businesses.
“These AI-driven phishing attacks are characterized by their ability to craft convincing messages tailored to specific recipients and containing proper grammar and spelling, increasing the likelihood of successful deception and data theft,” the bureau said.
The FBI also warned the public of AI-powered voice and video cloning techniques that can impersonate individuals trusted by potential victims, leading to unsuspecting victims divulging sensitive information or approving fraudulent transactions.
“As technology continues to evolve, so do cybercriminals’ tactics. Attackers are leveraging AI to craft highly convincing voice or video messages and emails to enable fraud schemes against individuals and businesses alike,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp said.” These sophisticated tactics can result in devastating financial losses, reputational damage, and compromise of sensitive data.”
The FBI advised the public to be aware of urgent messages asking for money or credentials. Businesses were also called on to “explore various technical solutions to reduce the number of phishing and social engineering emails and text messages” that may affect their workers.
“Additionally, businesses should combine this technology with regular employee
education and employees about the dangers of phishing and social engineering attacks and the importance of verifying the authenticity of digital communications, especially those requesting sensitive information or financial transactions,” the bureau said.
The FBI also recommended using multi-factor authentication solutions can also give additional security, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to access illegally accounts and systems of their targeted victims.
Scammers will use all of the data gathered through various sources that is bundled together by data aggregators. Congress passed laws in the nineties allowing private companies to do that. Last week it was announced that our cars are now sending information about us to the data aggregators. Scammers buy the data and call us.
Just this morning I got a call from Contra Costa Courts (caller id). The caller knew my name and address and said he was from CBP. In a thick Indian accent he claimed drugs were intercepted at the border being mailed to my name and address. I told him to enjoy them and hung up.
What is the FBI doing to stop this crime? Probably the same thing AT&T is doing to stop robocalls..
The future is looking bright
In the 1690s we would burn witches. Today we burn AIs.
A few days ago a Tesla went over a cliff in Ca. Then, it called home and reported that it had been in a crash and was now inoperable. It gave its coordinates so the authorities could find it [and the recently deceased driver.] GOOD and BAD AI.
I think the most worrisome issue coming right now is Google’s new generation of Find My Device… email from Google: “Your Android devices will soon join the Find My Device network.” Find my device network … bluetooth… what’s new?
You can use your network to help your neighbors find all of their smart devices (phones, security cameras, lost ear buds, etc), WHETHER OR NOT they are on-line or off-line.
*** And They [and others in the vicinity] Can Do The Same To/For You!
Of course Google says YOU control the security. And of course, they’ll never share info with anyone.
Who will protect us from the FBI?