Artificial intelligence, new channels of attack and targeted identify theft are causing fundamental changes to the threat situation in digital space. You should be aware of these trends.
If something used to be easily recognisable as fraud, it looks deceptively real nowadays –making things considerably more dangerous. Currently, the following developments having a direct impact on end consumers stand out in particular.
If fraud suddenly looks authentic
Cybercriminals increasingly rely on artificial intelligence to design their attacks in a more flawless and credible manner. One particular perfidious example of this is the use of deepfake scams: In the process, victims receive phone calls, purportedly from a person they know well – for instance a member of their family or their bank – although in reality, the voice they hear has been generated artificially.
Simultaneously, classic phishing mails have changed considerably, too. Thanks to AI, they are now grammatically correct, individually formulated and frequently tailored perfectly to deceive a certain person, so that they can hardly be recognised as a scam at all.
For end consumers, this means: The gut instinct they have been relying on so far works less and less well. Trust alone is no longer enough – even seemingly authentic contacts should be critically challenged.
Attacks across various channels
Cyber attacks have long been not just restricted to e-mails. Instead, criminals use whole chains of attack across several platforms – ranging from text messages (SMS etc.) to Social Media and faked websites. One current trend employs so-called multi-channel scams: An attack might for instance start with a text message containing a link leading to a fake website and resulting in a chat or request for payment. QR code phishing and deceptively real everyday notifications – such as those pertaining to subscriptions, deliveries and invoices – have seen a sharp increase.
Fraudsters are therefore increasingly abusing specific everyday situations. Every channel – from your inbox to your messenger apps – can become a starting point for attack.
Identity theft: Your face and voice in their sights
Next to passwords, it is biometrical data such as your face, voice or behaviour which cybercriminals are increasingly focussing on. The trend: Fake job offers or purported video interviews where victims unknowingly divulge face and voice data. This information can then be used later to circumvent safety mechanisms – for instance those used by banks or online accounts. The problem: In contrast with passwords, stolen biometric data cannot be replaced and are therefore practically lost forever.
At the same time, increasing use is made of so-called synthetic identities; i.e. artificially generated personal profiles employed for fraudulent purposes.
Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated – and not more obvious
Current developments mainly demonstrate one thing: Digital caution must become a habit. Stay informed und also raise awareness with family and friends – as today’s cyber-attacks don’t just target systems any more, but mainly humans.
Some practical tips to protect yourself:
- Always verify unknown messages or calls via official channels.
- Never open any links, file attachments or QR codes in communications you didn’t expect
- Only ever pass on personal data sparingly.
- Stay particularly cautious in cases where time pressure or emotional appeals are involved.
- Make consistent use of security features such as 2-factor authentification or passkeys.
