Smarter Phishing Scams
Phishing attacks, where hackers try to trick you into giving up sensitive information, aren't new. But with AI, these scams are getting much more convincing. Hackers will use AI to create fake emails that look and sound real, making it harder to spot the tricks.
Government-backed hackers will likely lead the creation of advanced AI tools for cyberattacks. One example is "FraudGPT," an AI system sold on the dark web. Like ChatGPT, it generates text, but FraudGPT is built for harmful activities, quickly creating realistic phishing emails, social engineering scripts, and other attack materials.
These AI-enhanced scams pose a greater threat due to their sophistication, improved evasion of security measures, and potential for large-scale deployment. As a result, they may impact a broader range of victims and prove more challenging to detect and mitigate.
Getting Around Security Measures
Many companies now use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect their systems. But hackers are finding ways around this. In the future, phishing attacks will use clever tricks to bypass MFA, letting criminals get into secure systems. Hackers are already exploiting URL-rewiriting, used by email security services to shield users from dangerous links in emails. These tactics turn safety measures into security risks.
AI will also help hackers tailor their attacks for each target, making them even harder to spot. This means that even strong security might not be enough to stop these advanced scams.
Fake Voice and Video Scams
Besides emails, hackers will start using AI to make fake voice messages and video calls. These scams, called "vishing" and "deepfakes," will trick employees into thinking they're talking to a real coworker or boss. This will make it easier for hackers to steal information or get into secure systems.
As these fake voice and video scams get better, it'll be harder for people to tell the difference between real communication and a scam.
Targeting Phone Users
Hackers will also go after people using phones. They'll create fake app notifications that look real, tricking users into clicking links or approving fake requests. Since people usually trust their app notifications, phone users will be easy targets for these new types of scams.
What This Means for the Future
In the end, the best defense will be a combination of advanced technology, aware people, and ongoing education. By staying informed, careful, and well-trained, we can better protect ourselves from the growing threat of AI-powered phishing in 2025 and beyond. Security awareness training will play a crucial role in defending against these evolving threats.
Effective training programs will:
- Teach employees to recognize AI-generated phishing attempts
- Keep staff updated on new threats like deepfakes and vishing
- Provide practice in identifying fake notifications and emails
- Reinforce the importance of verifying requests, even from seemingly trusted sources
- Foster a culture of cybersecurity vigilance
In 30 minutes, one of our experts will show and explain how easily you can get started with Nimblr Security Awareness. We will demonstrate how the solution works, show reports and administration, and how trainings and simulations are experienced by the users.
