FRESNO, California – Cody Sarhan, Communications Specialist
Every click counts when it comes to email security. Phishing remains a prevalent cyber threat, but the incorporation of Generative AI into cybercriminal toolkits has changed the game. Cybercriminals now harness the power of large language models to craft emails that mirror legitimate communications in astonishing detail, making traditional signs of phishing — like poor grammar and odd formatting — less reliable as red flags.
Learn more: How Xobee can help safeguard your business data
Understanding AI-Enhanced Phishing
Generative AI tools have revolutionized phishing tactics by enabling attackers to replicate the writing style of trusted contacts and create context-relevant, persuasive messages that are harder to distinguish from genuine communications. This technology not only increases the effectiveness of phishing attempts but also boosts the scale, allowing scammers to launch targeted attacks more broadly and efficiently. They can even leverage AI to mimic voices over the phone.
“Scammers can utilize AI to mimic the voices of relatives or friends, attempting to deceive individuals into providing financial assistance or divulging sensitive information.” — Dr. Klaus Schenk of Verimatrix
Spotting Phishing Emails
To adapt to these advanced threats, it’s crucial to fine-tune our vigilance. Here are updated tips to help you identify phishing attempts, especially in the era of AI.
1. Check for subtleties
Although AI can perfect grammar and style, some subtle cues might still give it away. Look for unusual requests or inconsistencies in the email that don’t quite align with previous communications from the sender.
2. Scrutinize the source
Examine the sender’s email address carefully for minor anomalies or deviations from the standard email addresses you recognize.
3. Verify links and attachments
Always hover over any links without clicking to see if the URL directs you to a legitimate site. Be wary of unexpected attachments, which remain a common phishing tactic.
4. Look for the hallmarks of a scam
Common indicators of a scam are grammatical errors, urgency, pressure to act, requests for sensitive information, unexpected attachments or links, and generic greetings. While AI has cleaned up a lot of the grammar, and “strange English”, there are still telltale signs that don’t completely convey how an average person, or more specifically, an average person in America would speak.
5. Enhanced verification
Contact the supposed sender through a different communication channel to confirm the legitimacy of any suspicious or unexpected request. Always vet and authenticate through secondary and trusted channels, like a phone call or a link on their official website you Googled.
Leveraging Robust Cybersecurity with Xobee Networks
Xobee Networks stands as your one-stop shop solution for securing your business technology. We offer comprehensive IT consulting, cloud hosting solutions, backup redundancies, and robust data restoration services to ensure your business remains resilient against cyber disruptions. Our cybersecurity services include cutting-edge virus protection and spam filtering to safeguard your network from the most cunning of cyber threats.
By partnering with Xobee Networks, you ensure that your business is not only equipped to handle current cybersecurity challenges but is also prepared for future threats.
Contact us today to fortify your defenses and secure your business data.
Xobee now has engineers servicing clients within Fresno, Clovis, Madera, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco & the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Anaheim, Palm Springs, and more.
Cody Sarhan | Communications Specialist, Xobee Networks
