Artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the cybersecurity landscape, presenting opportunities and significant challenges.
This article examines how AI risks impact people’s online safety, identifies the most relevant dangers, and offers tips on protecting yourself from these risks.
How is the development of AI affecting people’s online safety?
The development of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing online security, transforming both opportunities and challenges in the digital realm. AI’s ability to process and analyze large volumes of data, identify patterns, and learn from them brings significant benefits. Still, it is also creating new vulnerabilities and threats that affect people.
One of the most apparent aspects of AI’s positive impact on online security is the automation of threat detection. AI-based cybersecurity tools can monitor in real-time and detect anomalous behavior, identify fraud attempts, and detect malicious attacks before they cause considerable damage.
This has dramatically improved incident response capabilities and reduced the time needed to neutralize threats. For individual users, this translates into more excellent protection of their personal and financial data held by companies.
New AI-Driven Threats
However, cybercriminals also leverage AI to improve their targeted attack tactics, which target a specific person rather than an organization.
The creation of deepfakes, for example, uses AI algorithms to generate fake images, videos, or audio that are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. These deepfakes can be used to spread false information, impersonate people in critical situations, or even commit fraud and extortion. AI’s ability to replicate human voices has also given rise to highly convincing voice scams, where scammers pose as family members or authority figures to trick their victims.
Another significant risk is the exploitation of vulnerabilities in social networks. AI can analyze profiles and behaviors on these platforms to identify potential targets, collect personal information, and launch targeted attacks. AI-powered bots can also amplify disinformation campaigns and manipulate public opinion, affecting the security of personal data and the integrity of the information we consume.
To mitigate these risks, users must adopt robust security practices. This includes ongoing education about emerging threats and verifying sources before sharing information.
Using advanced security tools that integrate AI capabilities can provide a proactive defense against sophisticated attacks. In addition, being selective about the personal information shared online and adjusting privacy settings on social media can limit exposure to potential threats.
The most relevant dangers of AI
Among the most relevant risks of Artificial Intelligence, we highlight the following.
Creation of deepfakes and digital fakes
Deepfakes are videos or audio created using AI that manipulate images or voices to make them look real. They can be used to spread disinformation, extort people, or even manipulate electoral processes. Digital counterfeits can also be used to impersonate individuals in critical situations.
Voice scams
With the ability to replicate human voices, scammers can impersonate trusted individuals, such as family members or colleagues, to trick their victims into obtaining sensitive information or money. These scams can be extremely convincing and complex to detect without proper tools.
Impersonation
AI can collect and analyze personal information from various online sources, facilitating the creation of fake profiles used to commit fraud and other malicious activities. Phishing is a growing threat in the digital age, exacerbated by AI’s capabilities.
Social Media Vulnerabilities
Social media is fertile ground for the exploitation of AI. Cybercriminals can use AI algorithms to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in these platforms, from creating fake profiles to spreading malware. In addition, they can use bots to amplify malicious messages and manipulate public opinions.
Financial Fraud
AI is also being used to commit financial fraud. From creating highly personalized phishing emails to automating fraudulent transactions, cybercriminals use AI to bypass traditional security systems and steal money and financial data.
Ethical and legal risks
The use of AI in cybersecurity poses several ethical and legal risks. AI’s ability to make autonomous decisions can lead to situations where privacy rights are violated, or mistakes are made with serious consequences. In addition, the misuse of AI for malicious activities poses significant legal challenges, as current laws are often ill-equipped to address these issues.
How to protect yourself from AI risks
Protecting yourself from AI-related personal online security risks requires education, advanced tools, robust security practices, and collaboration.
Education and Awareness
The foundation of good online security is education. Knowing the risks and how to deal with them is essential. People also need to stay informed about cybercriminals’ latest tactics, such as using AI.
Participating in online courses, webinars, and reading blogs specializing in cybersecurity are effective ways to stay current. Continuing education allows us to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately to threats.
Source and Authenticity Verification
One of the most significant risks today is digital deepfakes, which use AI to create fake content that looks real. To protect yourself, it’s crucial to always verify the authenticity of information before sharing or acting on it.
Verification tools, such as services that verify the authenticity of news and emails, can help identify and prevent deception.
Use Advanced Security Tools
Numerous security tools use AI to provide advanced protection. These include antivirus software, malware detection programs, and mobile security apps. These tools can analyze behavior in real-time, detect suspicious patterns, and alert users to potentially dangerous activities.
It’s essential always to keep these tools current to ensure they’re equipped to deal with the latest threats.
Protection of personal data
The protection of personal data is critical in today’s digital environment. People should be cautious about the information they share online. Setting your social media privacy settings to limit who can see and access personal information is essential.
It is critical to use strong, unique passwords for each account and change them regularly. Additionally, using password managers can help maintain security without the need to remember multiple passwords.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security. In addition to a password, MFA requires a second verification form, such as a code sent to a mobile phone. This makes it difficult for attackers to access the accounts, even if they manage to obtain the password. Implementing MFA on all possible accounts is an effective measure to increase security.
Constant monitoring
Constant monitoring of accounts and online activity can help quickly detect unusual behavior. Setting up alerts for suspicious activity, such as login attempts from unrecognized locations, allows you to act immediately.
Some services monitor the use of personal information on the dark web and alert users if their data is at risk.
Collaboration and communication
Collaboration and communication with friends, family, and colleagues about cybersecurity can help build a support network and share best practices. Discussing common threats and how to deal with them can raise collective awareness and reduce the risk of falling into cybercriminal traps.
Qondar by Enthec helps you protect your data and digital assets from AI threats
Qondar Personal Threats Watchbots is an innovative platform developed by Enthec to protect people’s online personal information and digital assets.
Qondar monitors sensitive data, financial and patrimonial assets, and individual social profiles to detect public leakage of these and prevent their criminal and illegitimate use.
If you want to protect your digital assets or those of your organization’s relevant members and avoid the dangers of artificial intelligence to humans, contact us to find out how Qondar can help.