Imagine this: You get a call from your “boss,” asking you to urgently transfer funds for a client deal. The voice sounds right, the background looks familiar… but the thing is, it’s all fake. AI has made it easier than ever to create scams that look and feel real.
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, which makes this the perfect time to examine how AI is transforming the way we live, work, and consume information. It’s also the right time to revisit how to protect it.
How AI is changing the way we live
It feels like not that long ago AI was a futuristic idea, one that played out in books and movies. Today, AI is woven into daily life – from the streaming platforms that recommend your next show to the voice assistant that sets your alarm to the fraud alerts your bank sends you. There’s no denying that, as AI works behind the scenes, it’s making life easier, faster, and more personalized.
Beyond providing everyday convenience, it’s also making a meaningful impact across sectors. Businesses use it to analyze mountains of data, and doctors use it to spot diseases earlier.
But like any tool that can be used for good, AI can also be used for harm. Cyber criminals have found a way to leverage the technology to steal money, data, and security from consumers and businesses.
The new face of cyber threats
Cyber criminals have learned to harness AI to make scams look more polished and personal – and to send them out on a massive scale. Examples of AI-powered scams include:
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AI-enhanced phishing and smishing: Phishing emails, once rife with grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, are now flawless. These fake messages can sound exactly like someone you know, sometimes using your own personal details lifted from social media.
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Deepfakes and voice clones: Scammers can create fake videos or phone calls that mimic a person you trust, like a family member, your boss, or even a celebrity, to convince you to send money or share personal information.
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Fake pop-ups: Realistic-looking security alerts can trick you into downloading malware or giving hackers access to your device.
While these scams aren’t new, the use of AI is making it harder than ever to tell what’s legitimate and what’s not.
Spotting red flags
While AI-powered and AI-enhanced scams are harder to detect, there are ways to stay ahead of scammers. Here are some tips:
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Slow down: If a message feels urgent, take a breath before doing anything. Scammers often create scenarios that cause panic, counting on their targets to rush into action.
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Verify separately: If you’re asked to make a large or unusual transaction, or to send sensitive information unexpectedly, contact the person or company directly using a known phone number or email – not the link or number in the message.
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Check the details: Look for odd phrasing, logos that seem off, or strange links. It’s important to look closely, as scammers often use URLs that look almost correct but have small differences.
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Keep your devices updated: Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities and protect you from known threats.
Building new habits
Whether you’ve always had strong online habits or been a little relaxed about passwords and what you share in emails, the new wave of AI-powered scams means it’s time for everyone to raise their game. The good news: small, consistent habits can make a big difference in keeping you safe.
AI and the cyber security balancing act
Here’s some positive news: AI isn’t just being used by scammers – it’s also working in your favour.
Banks and security companies use AI to monitor transactions in real time, flag suspicious activity, and block unauthorized logins before they happen. Email providers filter out most phishing attempts automatically, and many security tools use AI to spot unusual behaviour and stop threats in their tracks.
By staying informed and taking advantage of available protections, you can make AI part of your defense.
Get AI working for you, not against you
AI is transforming the way we work, live, and communicate – it’s also reshaping the world of cyber security. This Cyber Security Awareness Month, try upgrading your online habits, double-check suspicious messages, and pause before you act. With a little awareness, you can stay safe and confident online.
Visit our Deepfake Scams Checklist for more tips on keeping yourself and your data safe.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
