The new face of cyber threats—AI, deepfakes, and scams

AI has taken the world by storm. It’s hard to browse on the internet without stumbling on AI-generated content—or content discussing the uses and misuses of AI. No matter where you stand on this debate, the fact is cybercriminals have taken to the technology, exploiting it to improve their scams.

The latest Gen Q2/2024 Threat Report shines a light on some alarming trends that everyone should be aware of—particularly the rise in scams powered by AI-generated deepfakes.

Let’s break down what’s happening and what you can do to protect yourself.

Cyber threats are growing fast—and we need to keep up

Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated. The latest data shows a staggering 46% increase worldwide in attacks compared to last year. The overall situation remains highly active, with over a billion unique attacks being blocked every month.

Scams and malvertising are leading the charge, making up over 87% of threats on desktops and an eye-popping 93% on mobile devices. Most of these threats come from web activity, which means that just by browsing the internet, you could be at risk.

What’s especially worrying is the rise of AI-generated scams. Cybercriminals are now using AI to create incredibly convincing fake videos and voice calls, making it harder than ever to tell what’s real and what’s not. These new tactics are making the online world a riskier place overall.

AI deepfakes used to steal millions

One of the most shocking developments this quarter is the CryptoCore scam, which has taken cybercrime to a whole new level. This scam uses AI to create fake videos that look and sound like real celebrities, tricking people into thinking they’re part of a legitimate cryptocurrency giveaway.

The scammers hijack popular YouTube accounts and use them to stream fake events or piggyback on real events to spread scam content that feature AI-generated deepfakes of famous people. These videos look incredibly real—making it easy to believe that a celebrity is actually giving away free cryptocurrency. But instead of receiving any crypto, victims end up sending their own money to the scammers.

In just a few months, the CryptoCore scam has stolen at least $5 million from unsuspecting people around the world. This scam shows just how dangerous AI technology can be when it falls into the wrong hands.

Scammers are sharpening their AI tools

Scams have always been a problem, but in 2024, they’ve reached a new level of sophistication. Investment scams, in particular, are on the rise, with criminals using AI-generated deepfake videos and voice messages to trick people. These scams often take advantage of big events or trending topics, using them to lure in victims.

One of the most concerning trends is the rise of part-time job scams—a threat previously investigated by our team. These scams usually start with a message on platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram, promising easy money for simple online tasks. The tasks seem legitimate at first, and the scammers might even pay you a small amount to build trust. But soon, they ask for an upfront payment to access a VIP task—and that’s when they disappear with your money.

To make these scams even more convincing, cybercriminals are now using AI-generated voices to make phone calls. You might receive a call from what sounds like a real person, but it’s actually an AI-driven voice designed to make the scam feel more authentic. This evolution in scam tactics is making it harder than ever to spot the red flags before it’s too late.

How you can protect yourself

With scams getting smarter and cyberattacks on the rise, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant online. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself:

• Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. If someone is promising you easy money or free cryptocurrency, be very cautious. Scammers often use these types of offers to lure in their victims.
• Verify before you trust. Always double-check the source of any message, email, or phone call that asks for personal information or money. Go directly to the company’s official website to confirm the legitimacy of the request.
• Stay informed. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, so it’s critical to stay up-to-date on the latest scams and tactics. Regularly check cybersecurity news and reports, like the Norton blog, to stay informed.
• Use strong security measures. Make sure your accounts are protected with strong, unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. Keep your security software updated to protect against the latest threats.

Not all AI is bad AI

The cyber threat landscape in 2024 is more complex and dangerous than ever before. With cybercriminals using AI to create incredibly realistic scams, it’s becoming harder to tell what’s real and what’s fake.

However, we can use AI to help us weed out the fakes too. Norton Genie, our AI-powered free scam detector, can help protect you from cyber threats. And, by staying informed, questioning too-good-to-be-true offers, and using strong security practices, you can protect yourself from these evolving dangers.

Remember, in the digital world, a little caution can go a long way in keeping you safe.