The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a public service announcement warning smartphone users about the increasing use of generative AI in cyber attacks. These scams can be convincing, using AI-generated images and videos to deceive victims.
Recent reports have shown that tech support scams targeting Gmail users, fraudulent gambling apps, and sophisticated biometric protection-busting banking fraud are on the rise. The FBI advises smartphone users to hang up the phone, research the contact details online, and create a secret word or phrase for identification purposes in case of an emergency call.
To mitigate the risk of these attacks, experts recommend:
* Never sharing sensitive information with people met only online or over the phone
* Creating a secret word or phrase for family and contacts to use in emergencies
* Hanging up on suspicious calls and researching contact details online
Innovative solutions are also being developed to detect deepfake videos. Researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, have proposed a system called SFake, which exploits AI models’ inability to adapt to physical interference.
The Honor Magic 7 Pro flagship smartphone is set to release with an on-device AI deepfake detection feature, providing users with immediate warnings to deter potential scams. If you believe you’ve been a victim of a financial fraud scheme, report it to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center and provide as much information as possible, including your interaction with the attacker.
Stay vigilant and protect yourself from AI-generated scams by following these tips and staying informed about emerging threats.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2024/12/07/fbi-warns-smartphone-users-hang-up-and-create-a-secret-word-now