Phishing Attacks Skyrocket by 1265% Amidst Surge in AI-Powered Scammers
In a startling development, phishing attacks have witnessed an alarming increase of 1265% since December 2022, with artificial intelligence (AI)-powered scammers being the driving force behind this surge. The introduction of ChatGPT, a renowned AI text generator, has provided scammers from all corners of the world with a powerful tool to carry out their malicious activities.
Slashnext, an AI-focused cybersecurity agency, has reported that scammers are leveraging ChatGPT to create a wide range of malevolent software with names like FraudGPT or DarkBERT. These AI solutions enable scammers to craft more sophisticated and convincing texts that are less likely to arouse suspicion among their targets.
Recent statistics highlight specific trends that scammers are capitalizing on. Around 68% of phishing attempts are now solely text-based, while phishing emails seeking personal identification information have surged by a staggering 967%. This rise in AI-powered scams also extends to the replication of voices, with scammers leveraging AI technology to imitate the voices of individuals in order to deceive their victims.
The proliferation of chatbots has also contributed to the surge in scams worldwide. With chatbots becoming increasingly prevalent in various digital platforms, scammers exploit the ease of communication to extract private information from unsuspecting individuals. Social media remains a preferred avenue for scammers, as they mimic the style and appearance of well-known brands to deceive users into revealing sensitive information.
Interestingly, scammers seem to have a preference for Mondays when it comes to sending phishing emails. An Atlas VPN study reveals that phishing email volumes soar by 27% at the start of the week. This is attributed to employees receiving a high volume of emails and being more prone to clicking on suspicious links or attachments due to decreased vigilance. In a surprising twist, scammers also target Saturdays, as individuals working on weekends tend to be more relaxed and less cautious about phishing attempts.
While employees are frequently targeted, it is essential to note that phishing emails can be received by individuals from all walks of life at any given time. Scammers employ social engineering techniques, exploiting social networks such as Facebook, dating apps, and secondhand sales apps to perpetrate their scams.
In conclusion, the exponential rise in phishing attacks, driven by AI-powered scammers, presents a significant challenge for individuals and organizations alike. The availability of sophisticated AI tools like ChatGPT has enabled scammers to create more convincing and deceptive content, making it crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and exercise caution when interacting online. As the battle against scammers escalates, cybersecurity measures must continually evolve to stay one step ahead of these malicious actors.
