Microsoft has just released their latest Cyber Signals report on AI assisted scams, including those targeting e-shoppers and job seekers. .
The report comes as AI-assisted scams are further on the rise. Over the past year alone, Microsoft has thwarted $4 billion in fraud attempts and approximately 1.6 million bot signup attempts per hour. Microsoft is actively working to stop AI fraud by evolving large-scale detection models that use AI techniques, such as machine learning to mitigate fraud attacks. With AI lowering the barrier to entry, even low-skilled attackers can generate sophisticated scams, ranging from deepfake-driven phishing to AI-generated sham websites mimicking legitimate businesses. What is very worrying is that what used to take scammers days or weeks to create now just take minutes.
To read the full report, click here .
Microsoft has also released some tips to help you remain safe whilst you are online, and you can read them below.
Here are three things you can do to protect yourself as an online shopper:
- Don’t let pressure tactics trick you – Don’t be fooled with “limited-time” deals and countdown timers.
- Only click on verified ads – Many scam sites spread through AI-optimised social media ads. Cross-check domain names and reviews before purchasing.
- Be skeptical of social proof – Scammers can use AI-generated reviews, influencer endorsements, and testimonials to exploit your trust.
To protect yourself when interviewing for a job, here are three things employers would never ask:
- To provide personal or financial information – Unsolicited SMS and email messages offering high-paying jobs with minimal qualifications are typically fraudulent. Avoid sharing personal or financial information. You should never provide a Social Security number, banking details, or passwords to an unverified employer.
- To pay for a job opportunity – Employment offers that include requests for payment, offers that seem too good to be true, and a lack of formal communication platforms can all be indicators of fraud.
- To communicate via unofficial communication channels – If recruiters and hiring managers only communicate via SMS, WhatsApp, or non-business email accounts, it’s a red flag. Legitimate employers use official company platforms for hiring communications. Always handle personal and sensitive information over secure platforms.
To help protect consumers from scams, Microsoft has introduced free features and tools:
- Typo and domain impersonation protection – Microsoft Edge features website protection using deep learning technology to help users avoid fraudulent websites.
- Digital Fingerprinting – Microsoft’s digital fingerprinting capability identifies malicious behaviours and ties them back to specific individuals. This helps in monitoring and preventing unauthorised access.
- Blocking Full Control Requests – Quick Assist now includes warnings and requires users to check a box acknowledging the security implications of sharing their screen (Quick Assist is a tool that enables users to share their Windows or macOS device with another person over a remote connection). This adds a layer of helpful “security friction,” by prompting users who may be multi-tasking or preoccupied to pause to complete an authorisation step.
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