Title: Cybercriminals Exploit AI Tools, Norton’s Genie App Defends Users against Scams
Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated than ever, posing a significant threat to individuals and the overall cybersecurity landscape. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, scammers can now craft highly customized and well-written messages that mimic legitimate communication from reputable sources. Additionally, there is growing concern over the use of AI technology to create convincing deepfake audio and video, further amplifying the potential for manipulation.
To combat this rapidly evolving problem, cybersecurity company Norton has unveiled Norton Genie, a free app and desktop-based tool aimed at empowering regular users to identify and avoid scams. By leveraging AI, Genie can swiftly analyze the content, addresses, links, and other components of emails, text messages, websites, and social media posts to identify potential red flags indicative of a scam.
Michal Pechoucek, Chief Technology Officer for Norton’s parent company, Gen, highlighted that cyber attackers have shifted their focus from targeting networks and devices to exploiting individuals through scams, phishing, and social engineering tactics. Pechoucek emphasized the critical role of AI in countering these emerging threats and protecting consumers in the present and future.
The AI-powered Genie app allows users to compare the contents of emails or texts to millions of samples collected by Norton’s consumer antivirus software and other cybersecurity operations. Based on its analysis, Genie can determine whether an email or text is likely to be a scam or suspicious. Furthermore, it provides users with guidance on the appropriate actions to take while offering insights into why the communication is flagged as potentially malicious.
While similar consumer services exist, they often rely on manual research and response times of up to 24 hours. Genie, in contrast, aims to provide real-time assistance, equipping users with instantaneous answers to their suspicions. Sahil Pruthi, Principal Product Manager at Gen, emphasized the importance of empowering users with quick and accurate information to prevent them from falling victim to dangerous scams.
Although not yet flawless, Genie demonstrates promising accuracy in detecting scams. In a preliminary test using the app version, a text claiming my debit card had been locked triggered an advanced fee scam alert. Similarly, copy-pasted text from an email impersonating the Social Security Administration and a screenshot of an email from a fake antivirus provider were correctly identified as scams. Conversely, legitimate email ads from trusted sources such as Amazon and Starbucks, along with a text notification from Google regarding a password change, received the app’s verification of authenticity.
However, some instances produced inconclusive results. An email that resembled a billing statement from my former cable provider received a neutral response when the text alone was analyzed. But when the sender’s email address was included in a screenshot, the app advised caution, signaling potential suspicion. Other fake billing statements and shipping notifications also generated mixed responses.
Pruthi acknowledged that Genie is a work in progress, seeking to improve continuously. As more users submit scam samples, the AI system will learn and enhance its accuracy. Although currently achieving an accuracy rate of 80% to 90%, the goal remains to reach complete reliability and safeguard users effectively.
Norton’s Genie application represents a step forward in the fight against scammers exploiting AI tools for their illicit activities. By providing quick and accessible assistance to users, the app aims to mitigate the increasing threats posed by cybercriminals, ensuring the protection of consumers in an evolving digital landscape.
