AI

Five Reasons To Be Wary Of AI

May 19, 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an incredible tool. It’s revolutionizing industries, advancing medical research, and making businesses more productive. But like any powerful technology, it can also be used for the wrong reasons – and it’s important you’re aware of it.

Cyber criminals have discovered that generative AI (the same kind of AI that powers tools like ChatGPT and Copilot) makes their scams faster, smarter, and more convincing than ever…

AI-generated malware

Malware (malicious software) isn’t new, but AI has made it quicker to produce, harder to detect, and more effective at bypassing security measures. Cyber criminals use AI to write malware that looks like legitimate browser extensions, software downloads, and even innocent-looking files like PDFs or images.

Stay safe: Keep your security software up to date and never download software or browser extensions from unknown sources.

Fooling security systems

Most cyber security software works by spotting known malware patterns. By slightly tweaking existing malware, scammers can create thousands of unique versions that security systems don’t recognize.

Stay safe: Regularly update your security software to keep up with evolving threats. AI-powered security tools can also help to detect suspicious activity.

AI-powered password cracking

Cyber criminals are now using AI to break into accounts faster than ever. AI can test millions of password combinations per second, analyze leaked passwords, and even predict passwords based on common patterns.

Stay safe: Use strong, unique passwords for every account and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security.

Smarter phishing scams

Phishing emails used to be easy to spot – bad grammar, weird phrasing, and suspicious links were all giveaways. But with AI, scammers can create perfectly written, highly personalized messages that look exactly like they came from a trusted colleague or supplier.

Stay safe: Always verify unexpected emails, especially if they request payments, login details, or sensitive information. Hover over links before clicking and double-check sender addresses.

Deepfake impersonation

Imagine getting a video call from your CEO asking you to process an urgent payment. You recognize their voice and face… but it’s not actually them. AI-generated deepfakes can clone voices and faces to trick employees into transferring money or sharing sensitive data.

Stay safe: If something seems unusual or too urgent, verify the request by calling on a known number or confirming in person.

Phishing 2.0: How AI Is Amplifying The Danger And What You Can Do

August 14, 2024

As technology advances, so do the threats that come with it. One of the most significant emerging threats in cybersecurity is AI-enhanced phishing. Unlike traditional phishing attempts, which are often easy to spot due to generic messages and poor grammar, AI-enhanced phishing uses sophisticated algorithms to create highly personalized and convincing attacks.

The potential damage from these attacks can be immense, leading to significant data breaches and severe consequences for individuals and organizations alike. To protect yourself and your organization, it’s crucial to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity.

Understanding the threat

AI-enhanced phishing leverages artificial intelligence to craft personalized emails that appear to come from trusted sources. These emails are designed to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. The consequences of falling victim to such attacks can be devastating, ranging from financial loss to identity theft.

How to protect yourself

Protecting yourself from AI-enhanced phishing requires vigilance and the implementation of several key security measures:

Be skeptical

Always be skeptical of unsolicited messages, especially if they ask for personal information or prompt you to click on a link or download an attachment. Cybercriminals often use urgent language to create a sense of urgency or appeal to curiosity.

Check for red flags

Even the most sophisticated phishing attempts can contain subtle red flags. Be cautious if an email seems too good to be true or if it contains slight variations in email addresses, unexpected attachments, or unusual requests. Look for inconsistencies in the sender’s address, the tone of the message, and the formatting.

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring more than one form of verification to access your accounts. This could include a combination of something you know (a password), something you have (a smartphone), and something you are (a fingerprint). MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.

Educate yourself and others

Education is a powerful tool in the fight against phishing. Learn about the latest AI phishing tactics and share this knowledge with your colleagues, friends, and family. Regular training sessions and updates on the latest phishing techniques can help everyone stay vigilant.

Use advanced security tools

Invest in advanced security tools that can help detect and prevent phishing attempts. These tools often include email filters, anti-phishing software, and AI-based threat detection systems. Regularly update and configure these tools for maximum protection.

Report phishing attempts

If you receive a suspicious email, report it to your IT team or email provider immediately. Reporting phishing attempts helps improve security measures and prevents other potential victims from falling prey to the same scam. Your vigilance contributes to a safer digital environment.

Enable email authentication

Implement email authentication protocols such as SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance). These protocols help verify the authenticity of the sender’s email address.

Conduct regular security audits

Regular security audits are essential to identify vulnerabilities in your systems and ensure that all security measures are up to date. These audits can uncover weaknesses that might be exploited by cybercriminals and provide an opportunity to strengthen your defenses.

In an era where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s essential to stay informed and proactive about cybersecurity. By understanding the nature of AI-enhanced phishing and implementing these protective measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these attacks. Remember, the key to cybersecurity is vigilance.

Beware of Deepfakes! Learn How to Spot the Different Types

June 18, 2024

Have you ever seen a video of your favorite celebrity saying something outrageous? Then later, you find out it was completely fabricated? Or perhaps you’ve received an urgent email seemingly from your boss. But something felt off.

Welcome to the world of deepfakes. This is a rapidly evolving technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI). It does this to create synthetic media, often in the form of videos or audio recordings. They can appear real but are actually manipulated.

Deepfakes have already made it into political campaigns. In 2024, a fake robocall mimicked the voice of a candidate. Scammers wanted to fool people into believing they said something they never said.

Bad actors can use deepfakes to spread misinformation and damage reputations. They are also used in phishing attacks. Knowing how to identify different types of deepfakes is crucial in today’s world.

So, what are the different types of deepfakes, and how can you spot them?

Face swapping deepfakes

This is the most common type. Here the face of one person is seamlessly superimposed onto another’s body in a video. These can be quite convincing, especially with high-quality footage and sophisticated AI algorithms. Here’s how to spot them:

Look for inconsistencies: Pay close attention to lighting, skin tones, and facial expressions. Do they appear natural and consistent throughout the video? Look for subtle glitches such as hair not moving realistically or slight misalignments around the face and neck.
Check the source: Where did you encounter the video? Was it on a reputable news site or a random social media page? Be cautious of unverified sources and unknown channels.
Listen closely: Does the voice sound natural? Does it match the person’s typical speech patterns? Incongruences in voice tone, pitch, or accent can be giveaways.

Deepfake audio

This type involves generating synthetic voice recordings. They mimic a specific person’s speech patterns and intonations. Scammers can use these to create fake audio messages and make it seem like someone said something they didn’t. Here’s how to spot them:

Focus on the audio quality: Deepfake audio can sound slightly robotic or unnatural. This is especially true when compared to genuine recordings of the same person. Pay attention to unusual pauses as well as inconsistent pronunciation or a strange emphasis.
Compare the content: Does the content of the audio message align with what the person would say? Or within the context in which it’s presented? Consider if the content seems out of character or contradicts known facts.
Seek verification: Is there any independent evidence to support the claims made? If not, approach it with healthy skepticism.

Text based deepfakes

This is an emerging type of deepfake. It uses AI to generate written content like social media posts, articles, or emails. They mimic the writing style of a specific person or publication. Scammers can use these to spread misinformation or impersonate someone online. Here’s how to spot them:

Read critically: Pay attention to the writing style, vocabulary, and tone. Does it match the way the person or publication typically writes? Look for unusual phrasing, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies in tone.
Check factual accuracy: Verify the information presented in the text against reliable sources. Don’t rely solely on the content itself for confirmation.
Be wary of emotional triggers: Be cautious of content that evokes strong emotions. Such as fear, anger, or outrage. Scammers may be using these to manipulate your judgment.

Staying vigilant and applying critical thinking are crucial in the age of deepfakes.

Familiarize yourself with the different types. Learn to recognize potential red flags. Verify information through reliable sources. These actions will help you become more informed and secure and protect you from these threats.

Unlocking Business Potential With Generative AI: A Guide For Non-Technical Business Owners

March 26, 2024

In an age where technology continually reshapes the landscape of how we do business, staying informed and adaptable is key. As a non-technical business owner, you might have heard about the buzz surrounding generative AI, but what exactly is it, and more importantly, how can it benefit your small business? This article breaks down the essentials of generative AI and provides practical ways to integrate this innovative technology into your business strategy.

Understanding generative AI

Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence that can generate new content, from written text to images, and even music. This technology, powered by sophisticated algorithms, learns from existing data to create original, realistic outputs. The most common examples you might have come across include chatbots, image generators, and content creation tools.

Enhance customer service with AI chatbots

One of the most immediate applications of generative AI for small businesses is through AI chatbots. These virtual assistants can handle customer inquiries, provide product recommendations, and offer support 24/7. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also frees up your staff to focus on more complex tasks. Tools like OpenAI’s GPT-3 have made creating these chatbots more accessible than ever.

AI-generated content boosts online presence

Creating engaging content consistently can be a daunting task for many business owners. Generative AI comes to the rescue by assisting in generating blog posts, social media updates, and even marketing copy. Tools like Jasper or Writesonic can help you craft compelling content that resonates with your audience, saving you time and resources.

Personalizing customer experiences

Personalization is a key differentiator in today’s market. Generative AI can analyze customer data to create personalized recommendations, tailored emails, and targeted advertising campaigns. This level of personalization can significantly enhance customer engagement and loyalty.

Streamlining operations with automated processes

Generative AI can also play a pivotal role in streamlining business operations. For instance, AI can automate invoice generation, schedule appointments, and even manage inventory. This not only increases efficiency but also reduces the likelihood of human error.

Exploring creative possibilities with AI generated designs

For businesses that rely on creative outputs like graphics, marketing materials, or product designs, generative AI offers a world of possibilities. Tools like DALL-E or Canva’s Magic Write can generate high-quality images and designs based on your specifications, providing a cost-effective alternative to hiring designers.

Understanding the limitations and ethical considerations

While generative AI offers numerous advantages, it’s important to be aware of its limitations and ethical implications. AI-generated content may require human oversight to ensure accuracy and relevance. Additionally, issues around data privacy and intellectual property rights in AI-generated content are important to consider and navigate carefully.

Generative AI is not a distant, high-tech dream but a tangible tool that small businesses can leverage today to drive growth, enhance efficiency, and create engaging customer experiences. By understanding and integrating this technology into various aspects of your business, you can stay ahead in a competitive market.

As you explore generative AI options, remember that the key is to use these tools as a complement to human creativity and expertise, not a replacement. Embracing AI smartly can unlock new horizons for your business and pave the way for future innovations.

Start small and experiment with AI tools relevant to your business needs. Whether it’s enhancing customer service, content creation, or operational efficiency, the journey into the world of generative AI promises to be both exciting and rewarding for forward-thinking business owners.

Reader’s Note: This article was written entirely by AI using the prompt “write a newsletter geared toward non-technical business owners about how to use generative AI in their small businesses.” This is a technology that goes beyond automation and the AI we used to know. It can create, content, solutions, and possibilities before unimaginable. The landscape of small business marketing is evolving rapidly. The integration of AI technologies is reshaping strategies for growth. Small businesses are turning to GenAI to enhance their marketing efforts. Despite how useful AI can be, it isn’t a replacement for human review, tweaking and approvals.

Is AI Really For You, Or Are You Jumping On The Bandwagon?

October 13, 2023

Do you ever find yourself asking, “What is all this hype about AI?”

If so, you’re not alone.

The buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to revolutionize every aspect of our lives is inescapable. But how can you navigate through the noise and truly harness the power of AI to meet your business’s big goals?

It’s a question that keeps many business leaders awake at night.

Imagine being able to predict market trends before they happen, or to streamline your operations with almost exact precision. This isn’t some far-off dream; it’s the promise of generative AI.

But there’s a lot of speculation around AI. Right now, it’s uncertain, so… should you simply wait and see what happens?

Of course not!

In fact, now is exactly the time to start exploring generative AI for your company.

Sitting back isn’t an option when your rivals could be leveraging this technology to gain a competitive edge. Yes, there’s a lot to learn and understand, but isn’t that part of the thrill of doing business in the 21st century?

But one thing to keep in mind amidst the excitement, is not to lose sight of your core aims, goals, and cultures. What good is a new AI system if it doesn’t align with the way your business behaves? While the world of AI may seem like uncharted territory, some classic rules still apply.

Will you implement it? Will it generate revenue? Can it reduce your costs? Will it boost productivity? If not, perhaps it’s not the right move for your business right now.

The hackers are using AI, too

With the advancement of AI comes new developments for bad actors to weaponize, too.

Artificial intelligence has become incredibly powerful. We can create animated avatars of ourselves with just a facial scan. A few words in the right search engine can generate beautiful imagery and art.

You can even find AI to write entire book chapters (although, they don’t always make much sense).

Unfortunately, cybercriminals have learned how to code entirely new malware in significantly less time than it takes to build by hand.

Usually, malware takes up to an hour to code. Not ChatGPT: the chatbot can code phishing scams honed to lure in more victims, and it can do it in mere minutes.

It also creates infected attachments that try to give the hacker remote access to your machine. Hackers will be able to really hone their scam messages using AI that has quantitative knowledge about what works best.

They can fine-tune their ability to detect exploitable vulnerabilities on your systems. Who knows what threatening idea they’ll have artificial intelligence machines make a reality for them next?

Users need to be careful engaging with nascent technology and stay abreast of new developments that the good guys are working on, so that we can all stay ahead of cybercriminals no matter what they dream up next.

What’s All The Fuss About AI And ChatGPT?

April 21, 2023

ChatGPT is a chatbot that uses artificial intelligence, allowing you to talk to it in a very human way. It’s been making the news around the world for some of the remarkable possibilities it seems to be creating. But what exactly is it, and why is it making such waves?

ChatGPT is trained on real human language. It can answer questions, and even compose documents, like emails, essays and computer code. The exciting thing is the way it allows you to have a natural-feeling conversation with it to generate different responses – perhaps adding more detail, or asking it to use less technical language.

It was created by research company OpenAI, which is funded and managed by some of the most influential names in tech. And while it’s still in its research and feedback-collection phase, it’s currently free to use (with limitations).

It’s different to a search engine because it’s designed with conversation in mind. While it can answer questions, it doesn’t search the internet for information. Everything is learned from training data (it has no knowledge past 2021). So, while many people have started using ChatGPT to write essays and articles, the facts may not be accurate. In fact, tech media website CNET recently had to issue multiple major corrections after it created 78 articles using the chatbot.

Because it’s trained on huge amounts of text published online by humans, it’s had trouble telling fact from fiction, and has also been found to reproduce some unwanted biases – for instance against women and people of color.

It’s not changing the world just yet. But it’s already clear that there is huge potential for both individuals and businesses alike.

Have you tried ChatGPT yet? What are your feelings about using AI in your business? We’d love to hear your thoughts. (P.S. A human wrote this article!)