Attackers are pulling old scam tricks with new methods, and consumers need to stay informed to protect themselves

Gen Threat Report shows emerging trends in cyber attacks
Attackers are increasingly incorporating AI into their attack vectors
Consumers and businesses are being hit increasingly frequently

Experts have warned that cybercriminals are increasingly taking advantage of artificial intelligence technologies to improve their attacks.

A. report Gen underlined that caution should be exercised as fraudsters integrate sounds, images and videos in different ways. artificial intelligence.

He warned that attackers were leveraging technology to create deepfake videos, often featuring celebrities, to support fake cryptocurrency schemes. Fraudsters have also been found exploiting global events and hijacking platforms. YouTube running scams like the SpaceX Starship integrated flight test (IFT-4) scam, which stole more than $1.4 million through fake crypto campaigns.

Cybercriminals are expanding their attacks with artificial intelligence

The report warns that fraudsters are not only adopting new technologies but also innovating old tactics. For example, antivirus scams popular in the 2000s have made a comeback, with cybercriminals now distributing invasive pop-up alerts that mimic legitimate antivirus programs, claiming that the victim’s computer is infected.

These alerts abuse the Windows notification system to appear as legitimate system messages and encourage users to take action through fraudulent purchases. antivirus software. The end game is to earn commissions through third-party referral programs while victims are left with a false sense of security.

Scammers are also taking advantage of the fluctuating employment market by offering work such as promoting goods on social media, which has evolved into more complex schemes involving AI-generated voice communications. Victims are often persuaded to send money without realizing they have been deceived until it is too late.

The report also reveals that this year has seen an increase in large-scale data breaches, with cybercriminals increasingly focused on stealing digital identities. While purchasing personal data via the Dark Web remains a popular method, hackers are now turning to more direct techniques such as InfoStealer to access sensitive information.

As companies strengthen their defenses against ransomware attacks, cybercriminals are now focusing on less protected consumers. According to Gen telemetry, there was a 24% increase in ransomware attacks targeting consumers in Q2 2024, while India saw a staggering 379% increase. The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have also seen significant increases in these attacks.

“We continue to see cybercriminals expand their toolkits by increasingly using AI to augment their attacks,” said Siggi Stefnisson, Chief Technology Officer at General. “Fraudsters are cunning and resourceful at exploiting what is on consumers’ minds – this “Whether it has to do with elections, love, or financial security.”

“Now with artificial intelligence and other new technologies, their plans are more complex and compelling than ever before. We encourage consumers to stay informed and alert. We will continue to carefully monitor the latest threats and provide the latest information and tools needed. We will be safer despite the evolving threat landscape ” added Stefnisson.

Gen has also continued to strengthen cooperation with governments around the world to combat ransomware and provide free decryption tools to victims with the recent release of Avast DoNex Ransomware Decryptor, designed to help individuals recover from damage. ransomware.

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