Get smarter about defending yourself against Artificial Intelligence attacks.

  • December 31, 2024

With the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), protecting personal information against online attacks has taken on new urgency. AI has not only made cyberattacks like phishing, smishing and fake websites easier and cheaper to implement, but also more sophisticated.

Scammers can now create emails free of easy-to-spot errors and can spoof voice messages and videos of your friends and loved ones in distress and in need of emergency cash.

The ideal protection against such attacks would be AI-based security software, but applications for the average user are in their infancy. Because these scams appear all too real, you need to stay alert and pause to think if you ever receive an urgent, panicked message. Confirming the validity of a message only takes a moment.

Remaining calm and vigilant with all your communication may be your best defense against attacks using AI.

Five ways to protect yourself against malicious Artificial Intelligence attacks:

  1. Stay vigilant As phishing emails and fake websites become more sophisticated, you can protect yourself by being suspicious of communications. Checking with the sender on another channel could help prevent succumbing to an attack.
  2. Update software and operating systems regularly AI can quickly exploit weaknesses in security. By keeping your devices and software updated, you can reduce your exposure to those vulnerabilities.
  3. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) Using MFA makes it far more difficult for bad actors to gain access to your accounts, even if they use AI to crack your passwords.
  4. Use passphrases By tapping into your social media accounts, AI can quickly explore thousands of potential passwords. Since passphrases are exponentially more difficult to crack, they offer much more protection.
  5. Track your transactions Just in case the worst happens, and your bank or credit card accounts are compromised, it will help to have a list of all your legitimate transactions.

Keeping you informed about AI and ML attacks and working to find effective solutions are just two ways Credit Union ONE is helping to protect you, your data, and your finances.