Artificial intelligence is making it easier to identify software vulnerabilities, create convincing online scams and impersonate trusted individuals, prompting cybersecurity experts to urge internet users, businesses and government agencies to strengthen their defenses against evolving digital threats.
Recent cybersecurity investigations have highlighted how AI-assisted techniques can help researchers identify weaknesses in widely used software, including flaws that may remain undetected for years. The same capabilities can also help malicious actors develop attacks more quickly, exploit unpatched systems and create fraudulent messages that are increasingly difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has warned that criminals use generative AI to produce convincing fraudulent emails, fake identities, manipulated images and impersonation schemes. AI-generated voices and videos can also be used to impersonate relatives, business executives and public officials to deceive victims into sending money or disclosing sensitive information.
The risks extend beyond individual scams. Vulnerabilities in website software, outdated applications and poorly secured systems can expose personal information, disrupt online services and provide attackers with opportunities to gain unauthorized access. AI does not create every security weakness, but it can accelerate the process of discovering and exploiting existing flaws.
For internet users, the following precautions can help reduce exposure to online threats.
What you can do to stay safe
- Think before clicking. Avoid opening suspicious links or unexpected attachments, even when messages appear to come from familiar people or trusted organizations. Check the sender’s full email address and verify unusual requests independently.
- Use strong, unique passwords. Avoid reusing passwords across accounts. Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and securely store them.
- Enable multifactor authentication. Add another layer of protection to email, banking, social media and other important accounts. Use passkeys or authentication apps where available.
- Keep devices and applications updated. Install security updates for operating systems, browsers, mobile applications, routers and other connected devices. Updates often address vulnerabilities that attackers may already be targeting.
- Verify urgent requests for money. If someone claiming to be a relative, friend or company executive asks for an emergency transfer, call them using a trusted number. Do not rely solely on a voice message, video call or social media account, as these can be impersonated or compromised.
- Protect personal information. Avoid publicly sharing sensitive details, identification documents, financial information or recordings that could be misused in impersonation schemes.
- Check websites before entering information. Confirm the spelling of the web address and access banking, government and other sensitive services through official websites or applications. A padlock symbol or HTTPS connection does not, by itself, prove that a website is legitimate.
- Secure home and office networks. Change default router passwords, use modern Wi-Fi security settings and disable remote access features that are not needed. Organizations should regularly review access permissions and maintain backups.
- Report suspicious activity promptly. Contact the affected bank, service provider or organization through its official channels if you suspect fraud or account compromise. Change affected passwords from a trusted device and secure any other accounts that reused the same credentials.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has also warned that scammers can clone a person’s voice using recordings found online. When an unexpected call involves an emergency, money or sensitive information, verify the claim through a separate, trusted communication channel before taking action.
Businesses and government agencies have responsibilities as well. They must maintain secure systems, apply patches promptly, monitor for suspicious activity and prepare plans to respond to data breaches and service disruptions.
AI can help cybersecurity professionals detect vulnerabilities and strengthen digital defenses, but it also gives criminals new ways to deceive people and scale their operations. Staying safe requires both reliable technical safeguards and a willingness to verify unexpected requests before acting.
The key advisory is simple: pause, verify and protect. Do not let urgency, a familiar voice or a convincing-looking message pressure you into clicking a link, revealing information or sending money without independent confirmation.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
