Column: Cybersecurity in the age of AI - Bend Bulletin
Artificial intelligence has given scammers powerful new tools to create convincing phishing attempts and deepfakes, but simple human precautions can still protect people from fraud.
Whether you're watching the news, scrolling social media, or listening to a podcast, headlines about artificial intelligence are everywhere. The future role of AI is becoming an increasingly important debate, but we should also be aware of how AI is used today, including by scammers.
There's no question AI has given today's fraudsters powerful new tools. It can help create phishing emails and text messages that sound polished and legitimate. Deepfake technology can clone voices and even make a video call appear to come from someone trusted.
The good news is that you have tools at your disposal, too, including those offered by your own financial institution. And since October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, what better time to take a fresh look at how to protect our personal and financial information?
Combating AI scams
Financial institutions continually work alongside government agencies, technology companies, security firms, and law enforcement to develop new ways to combat increasingly sophisticated attacks. Tools like AI-driven voice authentication, anti-money laundering and fraud-prevention platforms, advanced cybersecurity tools, and built-in digital banking protections are getting better every day, too.
While technology plays an important part in that protection, remember that one of the most important defenses is something decidedly low-tech: slowing down. One thing that old fraud tactics and new AI schemes have in common is that they create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making a bad decision.
Your account is supposedly compromised. A family member is supposedly in trouble. Whatever the story, the goal is the same: Get you to react before you have time to think.
Simple protection steps
If a call or video message appears to come from someone you know, verify the request through a separate channel. Call the person back using a number you already have or ask a question that only the real person could answer.
If you're feeling pressured to make a snap decision, that's your cue to pause, step away from the phone or monitor, and take a breath. Legitimate companies won't penalize you for taking time to understand the situation.
When in doubt, ask for help. Outside perspectives, whether from a friend, loved one, or a trusted business like your financial institution, can be invaluable in taking the pressure off and helping you see the situation more clearly. Anyone can fall for a well-orchestrated, AI-enhanced scam.
These simple steps are easy to remember with B.A.C.K.: Breathe, Ask, Confirm, Keep others safe. When something feels wrong, B.A.C.K. away. We sometimes view cybersecurity as a battle between sophisticated criminals and sophisticated technology. But some of the most effective defenses are surprisingly simple: slow down, breathe, verify the request, and get help from someone you trust.
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