With evolving AI-powered tools, scammers are targeting hopeful romantics with new levels of deception. It has become very easy to create convincing false identities and conversations to lure people into fraudulent relationships. A recent high-profile scam resulted in a woman losing $855k when she thought she was in a romantic relationship with actor Brad Pitt! The results can be devastating and can leave victims financially and psychologically drained. Here are some ways scammers are using AI to fuel romance scams and how you can protect yourself.
- AI-Generated Identities: AI can help scammers not only simulate existing personas but also create completely fictitious identities to post on social media and share with their victims. This can make it even harder to tell whether a person is real or not.
- Chatbots and Language Models: Chatbots can carry on engaging conversations that can be persuasively real to the person on the other end. AI can craft messages that seem authentic, even tailoring their messages to their victim, luring the victim in to become emotionally invested.
- Deepfake Videos and Voice Cloning: To make their false identities more convincing, romance scammers are using AI-generated video and voice cloning. Scammers can send their victims video messages and even phone calls to look like they are communicating in real time.
Romance scams can lead to financial loss and emotional distress from feeling betrayed by someone you came to trust. Here are some precautions you can take to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.
- Verify Identities: Use reverse image searches, whenever possible, and check their social media profiles.
- Be suspicious of fast relationships: Scammers may often push for the relationship to move quickly, often with love-bombing tactics.
- Do not send money: No matter how believable a story might sound never give someone you don’t know well money.
- Proceed with caution: Trust your instincts. If a voice message sounds pre-scripted it could be an indication of AI.
AI has made romance scams more sophisticated and harder to detect. Vigilance is the best defense. There’s no place for AI when it comes to love and relationships. Love is about trust and authenticity. Visit here and here to learn about other AI scams that are becoming increasingly common.
April 15, 2025
Spring is just about here! That’s usually most people’s cue to start deep cleaning their homes.
Use this time to also deep clean and declutter your digital spaces. Just the way clutter piles up in closets, digital junk accumulates on devices, affecting performance and security. Freshening up your digital devices will lead to a safer, cleaner digital environment that will help keep your identity and information safe. Here are a few ways to start.
Having a large number of files, apps and downloads can significantly slow down your devices. Delete any unused apps. Remember that app you downloaded on your phone for your trip to France? Well, you no longer need it so delete it. If you haven’t used an app in six months, best to uninstall it. And while you’re at it, delete duplicate or unwanted photos. Clear your computer’s desktop by sorting files into folders. Back up important documents to a cloud storage or an external hard drive. Don’t forget to empty the trash can to free up space too.
This one deserves its own tip because it can be the most time-consuming. Go through your inbox and either archive, file or delete emails. While you’re at it, unsubscribe to any e-newsletters and promotional subscriptions you no longer want.
Outdated software is a security risk so make sure to install any updates. Software updates provide critical security patches and improve operating efficiency with new features. Update any weak passwords or change ones you’ve been using for a while.
It’s also important to clean the outside of devices. Use compressed air and disinfectant wipes to clean your keyboard and mouse. You don’t want dust to collect beneath the keys. Clean the screen with a microfiber cloth and screen-safe cleaner. Paper towels or window cleaner can be too abrasive for the screen. Also make sure to dust all chords and connections.
Spring into action with these maintenance tips. You can find more ideas on our blog here. ICC can assist in executing these, and other IT maintenance needs, to keep your entire operating system in order and running smoothly. Contact us to get started.
April 4, 2025
A cyberattack is any attempt to steal sensitive data or disrupt computer operations. Scanners are making it easier for cybercriminals to identify businesses with vulnerabilities to find their next targets. Advanced planning is important for mitigating risks to your business and ensuring operations can continue if an attack were to happen. Here are some tips to prepare for the unexpected and help your business move on from a cyberattack.
Conduct regular backups: Consistently backup critical data, storing it on-site and off-site if possible. Your IT team should also test your backup system to make sure it is functioning properly, and that the backup data is accessible.
Secure remote work environments: With more people working outside the office, it’s more important than ever to ensure those employees are securely accessing your system. They should be using virtual private networks (VPNs), keeping up with software updates and using strong passwords.
Secure internal networks: Reinforcing internal networks can help limit access points for attackers. We recommend regularly updating firewalls and monitoring your system for any unusual activity. You may also want to consider encrypting sensitive information and securing routers with passwords.
Consider cyber liability insurance: If it’s within your budget, consider obtaining cyber liability insurance. It can help with the costs associated with an attack, including legal fees, attack investigation and customer notification costs.
Establish a comprehensive incident response plan: An incident response plan outlines the steps your IT and management teams should take during and after a cyberattack. The plan should include communication protocols and immediate actions that should be taken to prevent further damage from spreading. To learn more about what an incident response plan entails, visit Steps to Creating an Incident Response Plan.
ICC can help you develop a comprehensive incident response plan, as well as advise on other security tactics to protect your data and business. If you are missing one element of cyber defense, you could be putting your business at risk. Contact us to get started.
Looking for more security tips for your business? Checkout The Importance of Regular IT Audits, The Impact of Cloud Computing on Cybersecurity and The Importance of Website Security.
March 19, 2025
If you’ve come across a video reporting on a story that seemed suspiciously untrue, your instinct may have been right. Deepfake technology makes it possible to create hyper-realistic audio and video by mimicking a person’s voice, facial expressions and even gestures, but they are entirely fake. With advanced capabilities to manipulate audio and video, it’s sometimes very hard to know what’s real and what’s not.
Deepfake Threats
Deepfakes have become a serious risk for everyone. They can be crafted in seconds to spread misinformation, especially in the political sphere, or ruin a person’s reputation by making it look like they said or did something they never actually did. Deepfakes are also being used to impersonate high-level executives to steal financial information from businesses. Employees are tricked into transferring money, thinking they are following a CEO’s request.
How to Detect and Defend Against Deepfakes
Detecting deepfakes has become more difficult, but there are still tactics your business can use that will help identify a fake video or audio.
As AI-generated deepfake technology continues to evolve, you must defend your business with strategies and tools to protect it from potential dangers. ICC can help put a comprehensive plan in place to help your staff stay informed and implement the right tools to better protect your business from AI-generated threats. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
March 13, 2025
Cloud computing is emerging as an essential piece of a company’s digital operations. It offers businesses the scalability and efficiency to help their operations thrive. There are many factors to consider when choosing a cloud solution for your business. You need to consider your business goals, budget, data sensitivity and what kind of workloads you have. However, understanding which solution best fits your business can be daunting. Here’s a look at the different types of cloud solutions to help you assess if it’s the right one for your business.
Public Cloud
This is a service provided by third-party vendors that delivers computing resources over the internet. Examples include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. Public cloud services are ideal for startups and smaller companies because of its pay-as-you-go pricing and ease of use. However, its public, shared infrastructure does bring some security concerns so extra attention should be given to setting up safety measures.
Private Cloud
This cloud solution is dedicated and tailored to your business only, either hosted on-site or by a third-party provider. It offers a much more secure environment that is only accessible to authorized employees. This is much more ideal for industries like finance and healthcare that need to adhere to strict compliance standards. Keep in mind that setting up your business with a private cloud will most likely mean higher set-up costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.
Hybrid Cloud
This is a combination of the public and private cloud environments that work together to give you benefits from both platforms. Businesses are able to keep sensitive data on a private cloud while using a public cloud for non-sensitive data. The biggest benefit to using the hybrid cloud is its flexibility. It lets businesses choose the best option for different data and applications. If your company chooses this route, using a hybrid cloud does require a skilled IT Team to manage it.
Multi-Cloud
Just as it sounds, multi-cloud uses services from different providers. Businesses aren’t committed to one single provider and can choose the best and most cost-effective cloud solution based on the needs of each workload. Multi-cloud usage can also provide enhanced security. If a security breach were to happen, multi-cloud users can quickly transfer data to another provider or backup to a private cloud.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all option when it comes to choosing the right cloud solution for your business. Take advantage of ICC’s Cloud Services. ICC can help assess your needs and create a tailored strategy that aligns with your workflow and business goals. The right cloud solution can help increase efficiency and enhance data security. Contact us to learn more.
February 20, 2025
Most of us are pretty familiar with phishing attacks, a cybercrime in which scammers attempt to obtain your personal information often through deceptive emails. Such emails used to be easy to detect, with misspellings, or coming from unusual website addresses. However, with the rise of AI, email scams are becoming more sophisticated and much harder to detect. Here are some ways cyber criminals are using AI to deceive us and what your business can do to protect itself.
Deepfake Technology
AI-generated deepfake technology isn’t only used for video and audio; it’s also used to mimic a person’s writing style. For instance, scammers might use AI to impersonate a colleague or CEO using company jargon or company details to make it seem credible. The fake message often includes a request for an urgent payment or sensitive personal information.
Spear Phishing Attacks
Spear phishing takes traditional phishing to a deeper, more personalized level. Email scammers use AI tools to collect information from places like social media profiles and public databases. This allows them to tailor emails by personalizing them with specific details like a person’s job title or referencing recent activities. The personalization makes the email seem legitimate and increases the likelihood that the recipient will fall for the scam.
Lengthier Text
Cybercriminals are boosting their efforts by really taking into account everything that can help make an email look credible. That includes the length of the email. An email recipient might be suspicious of a short email asking for payment without much of an explanation. But additional copy offering more context and explanation will make the email seem more legitimate and make it more difficult to ignore.
Defend Your Business Against AI-Powered Email Scams
AI has significantly raised the stakes in the fight against email scams, making them more convincing and harder to detect. ICC can equip you with the tools you need to defend your business against cyber threats. We’ll put a comprehensive plan in place that includes network security, email security, and quality control reviews. Contact us to get started with a consultation.
February 6, 2025
Are you confident that you have sufficient protection in place to protect your business against cyber threats? Do you know if your business complies with security regulations? If you’re not sure, you should conduct an IT audit. An IT audit isa thorough evaluation of your company’s tech system, company policies and management. The start of the year is a good time to conduct an IT audit and then make it a regular practice to keep your company’s IT infrastructure safe and in compliance with regulatory standards.
· Finds Any Security Vulnerabilities: Regular audits can identify outdated software, misconfigured systems and other vulnerabilities that would put your company data at risk.
· Maintains Regulatory Compliance: Industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail have strict data protection regulations like HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR. An IT audit will make sure your company meets those requirements, avoiding large fines and any damage to your company’s reputation.
· Improves Efficiency and Savings: An IT audit may reveal where processes can be streamlined or automated, helping to boost productivity and ultimately save money.
· Check Security Measures: Are firewalls and antivirus software up to date? Are data encryption standards being met? Regularly reviewing these elements ensures they’re effective against emerging threats.
· Examine Access Privileges: Unauthorized access is a common cause of data breaches. Review user permissions to ensure that employees have access only to the information needed for their roles.
· Review Incident Response Plan: An incident response plan ensures your company knows the steps to take if a cyberattack were to happen. It can help limit the damage and recover more efficiently from a security incident.
· Test Backup and Recovery Systems: Data loss can be catastrophic for any business. Ensure your backup systems are functioning correctly and that recovery protocols are tested regularly to minimize downtime during a disaster.
Regular IT audits are more than a precaution; they’re essential to a strong cybersecurity defense. Having a reliable IT partner like ICC can help you implement a comprehensive audit to assess all your company’s security and compliance measures. We’ll also make recommendations on optimizing IT procedures. If you are missing one piece in your line of defense, you may be putting your business at risk. Contact us to get started with a consultation.
January 24, 2025
As we enter 2025, our relationship with artificial intelligence (AI) will continue to be a challenging balancing act. As much as it helps businesses be much more efficient and productive, AI will continue to pose great threats as cybercriminals continue to craft sophisticated ways to use it to steal data and sensitive information. Here are a few AI scams that will be significantly on the rise in 2025 and what you can do so your business doesn’t fall victim to them.
Advancements of deepfake technology has made it possible to create ultra-realistic videos and audio that are being used for fraudulent purposes. Cybercriminals are able to impersonate CEOs, celebrities and even family members to obtain money or financial information. Businesses should train employees to recognize deepfakes and use secure communication tools for sensitive interactions.
AI-powered tools enable scammers to create job postings and realistic company profiles. Scammers target job seekers, particularly those in remote or freelance roles, by offering fake lucrative opportunities that require upfront fees to take training or certification courses. To reassure jobseekers, companies should verify their online presence whenever possible, list an HR contact and only use business email domains for communication.
Cybercriminals are exploiting payment system vulnerabilities and leveraging AI to deceive customers. They create fake “card declined” messages to prompt consumers to re-enter their payment details for a transaction. Even when the card declined message appears, the charges often actually occur. Unsuspecting customers may enter their information more than once, which unfortunately may result in payments going through more than once. Businesses can help protect customers by investing in secure payment gateways, implementing two-factor authentication and displaying clear branding throughout the payment process so customers recognize the authenticity of the process.
As we look ahead to 2025, the fraudulent AI landscape will continue to evolve at a fast pace. ICC can help businesses protect themselves and their customers from these emerging threats by staying informed and implementing comprehensive, layered defense strategies. When you work with ICC, you can expect a comprehensive plan of services for security, management, and compliance. If you are missing one piece of the pie, you may be putting your business at risk and not being fully efficient or compliant. We can not only help you safeguard operations but also build trust with customers. Contact us to get started with a consultation.
January 10, 2025
Shopping on the internet offers a lot of convenient opportunities. However, AI-generated websites have brought about new risks for consumers. Designed with sophisticated AI tools, they can be difficult to identify. Many look authentic by mimicking well-known brands and some even feature fake consumer reviews to make the website appear trustworthy. Especially during the holiday season, you need to be careful of fake online stores and even marketplace listings. Once you click on the links and submit your personal information, scammers can access and steal your information, using it to make unauthorized purchases. Here are a few ways you can look out for fake AI-generated websites.
· Check the URL Carefully. Fraudulent websites often use URLs that closely resemble legitimate ones but includes light alterations, such as additional characters or misspellings. For example, instead of "www.amazon.com," it might read"www.amaz0n.com."
· Be Suspicious of Unrealistic Deals: If a website offers products or services at prices that seem too good to be true, proceed with caution. Scammers use deep discounts to lure consumers, knowing they’re often more likely to make impulse purchases on “limited-time” deals. Think before you click!
· Look for Genuine Customer Reviews Off-site: Be cautious with reviews directly displayed on a website, as these can be easily faked by AI. Instead, search for the company on independent review platforms or social media to check for authentic reviews or any customer complaints.
· Use an Anti-Phishing Tool: Many antivirus programs include anti-phishing features that detect fake websites. These tools are regularly updated to identify new threats, including AI-generated scam sites.
· Use Credit Cards or Trusted Payment Services: Credit card companies and services like PayPal often offer better protection against fraud. If you catch a fraudulent charge on your credit card statement you can usually dispute the charge. Debit cards, on the other hand, directly access your bank account and it may take a while to get your money back.
Practice caution when browsing unfamiliar sites, and if something seems off, it’s always better to trust your instinct and not purchase from a suspicious vendor. For businesses, ICC can help put tools in place that will build consumer trust and secure transaction procedures so consumers feel safe about clicking on your website. Contact us to learn more.
December 15, 2024
Cloud computing has changed the way businesses operate, enabling scalability, advanced security and cost savings that were once unimaginable. However, along with these benefits comes an increased need to focus on cybersecurity. As organizations move their data to the cloud, they must be proactive when it comes to securing their information. Here is what you need to know about cloud computing and cybersecurity.
The relationship between cloud computing and businesses can be looked at as an equal partnership. Cloud providers are responsible for securing the infrastructure, but businesses are responsible for protecting the data they store. This shared responsibility means both parties must prioritize cyber security measures to minimize risks. For instance, cloud providers allow access from anywhere, which can increase security risks if unauthorized users gain access. Businesses need to monitor any unauthorized access to sensitive cloud-stored data.
To enhance cybersecurity in cloud environments, here are a few precautions businesses can take:
· Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive data. By requiring multiple forms of identification, businesses can reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
· Conduct Regular Security Audits: Regular audits can help identify vulnerabilities before any damage is done. Continuous monitoring for unusual activity can detect potential breaches early.
· Use Data Encryption: Encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted, it remains illegible to unauthorized users. Encryption basically scrambles the data, so outside parties are unable to read it.
· Establish Data Backup and Recovery Plans: Cloud providers typically offer backup options, but businesses should have a recovery plan in place. A solid backup and recovery plan minimizes the impact of data loss due to cyberattacks or system failures. Once a plan is developed it should be tested periodically.
· Train Employees on Cloud Security: Human error remains a significant risk. Training employees on best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts, helps reduce this risk.
As businesses continue to use cloud computing as part of their daily routine, understanding and addressing the associated cybersecurity risks is important. ICC can help implement a comprehensive plan for cloud security—including precautions like multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular audits. If you are missing one piece of the pie, you may be putting your business at risk. Contact us to get started with a consultation.
December 1, 2024
