Cybersecurity Newsletter 

20 Years of Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

Modern Day Scammers Utilizing Artificial Intelligence to Execute Sophisticated Attacks

It's the phone call every parent dreads: a voice on the other end claiming to be their child, now kidnapped or arrested, pleading for help.  While such scams have been in existence for years, the game has changed considerably with the introduction of AI-driven voice mimicry. In these scenarios, threat actors use cutting-edge artificial intelligence to impresonate the voice of a loved one, making the scam all the more convincing and emotionally wrenching for the unsuspecting victim.

Why Voice Mimicry is Effective

1. Emotional Leverage - When victims hear what they believe to be their child's voice, they often react emotionally rather than rationally. This can lead to quick, impulsive decisions like transferring money without verification.

2. Bypassing Skepticism - The human mind associates voice with identity.  When the voice matches expectations, it bypasses many of the usual skeptical questions and red flags that might arise from a written message or unfamiliar voice. 

In typical ransom scams, attackers claim that they've kidnapped the victim's child and demand money for their release. With voice mimicry, this scam's believability is significantly enhanced as the 'child' can now directly speak to the parent, pleading for assistance.

Similarly, in bail scams, the caller, posing as an arrested child, might request funds to post bail or hire a lawyer.  Again, hearing their child's voice escalates the urgency and reduces the paren't ssupicions.

Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones

1. Awareness - Simply being aware of this technology and its malicious use can prevent one from falling victim. Always approach such calls with caution.

2. Verification - No matter how convincing the voice is, always verify the situation. If your child is supposedly arrested, call the police station or your child's last known location. For kidnapping claim, try reaching your child on their personal phone or through other means. 

3. Pre-set Code Words - Establish a family emergency code word. If a genuine emergency arises, the use of this code word can quickly confirm the legitimacy of the situation.

As technological advancements continue, the tactics employed by scammers will become more sophisticated. However, by staying informed and maintaining a healthy level of skepticism, individuals can protect themselves from falling prey to such emotionally manipulative scams. 

Disclaimer: This article was written by Chat GPT