AI phishing is a sophisticated type of cyberattack where attackers use artificial intelligence to create convincing and highly personalised phishing campaigns.
Unlike traditional phishing attacks, which may use generic or poorly written messages, AI phishing leverages tools like natural language processing and machine learning to:
Create convincing messages
AI can generate emails, messages, or social media posts that mimic legitimate communication styles, often appearing to come from trusted sources.
Personalise at scale
Attackers can use AI to analyse publicly available data (LinkedIn, social media, or company websites) to craft highly targeted messages for individual employees.
Automate and adapt
AI can learn from user behaviour and refine phishing attempts in real time, making detection harder.
3 examples of AI phishing tactics
1. Deepfake voice or video phishing
Using AI-generated voices or videos that mimic executives to request sensitive information or payments.
2. Spear-phishing emails
Tailored emails that appear to come from a trusted source within your company.
3. Chatbot-based phishing
AI-driven chatbots that engage in convincing conversations to extract confidential information.
I’m a business owner, how can I protect my company?
Employee education and training
Educating employees is the first line of defence against phishing attacks. By equipping staff with the knowledge to identify suspicious messages and verify requests, you can significantly reduce the success rate of phishing attempts. Here are some pointers:
Conduct regular training sessions on recognising phishing attempts.
Teach employees to verify requests through alternative channels such as phone calls.
Share examples of AI-driven phishing attempts
Advanced email filtering and security tools
Sophisticated email filtering systems and security tools can help block malicious content before it reaches employees. Leveraging AI-powered solutions ensures better detection of subtle phishing tactics:
Using AI-powered security tools that can detect anomalies in communication patterns.
Implementing anti-phishing software to scan and block suspicious emails.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Adding an extra layer of authentication provides robust protection against unauthorised access. MFA ensures that even if login credentials are compromised, attackers cannot easily gain access to sensitive systems.Think about:
Implementing MFA for access to critical systems and sensitive information.
Wherever there is an additional layer of security, you are making it harder for attackers to succeed even if credentials are compromised.
Data minimisation
Minimising the availability of employee and company information online reduces the data attackers can exploit. Implementing privacy best practices is a simple but effective strategy. Make it company policy to:
Limit the amount of publicly available employee information that could be exploited by attackers.
Encourage employees to review and restrict personal data shared on professional networking sites.
Incident response plans
A well-prepared incident response plan ensures a swift and effective reaction to phishing attacks. Regular drills help identify weaknesses and improve overall readiness. Think about:
Developing a clear response plan for phishing attacks, including steps to contain and report incidents.
Running simulated phishing drills to assess preparedness
Use AI Against AI
AI-powered cybersecurity tools are essential for countering AI-driven phishing threats. These systems can detect patterns and identify malicious content with greater precision. Find a cybersecurity provider who can:
Deploy AI-based cybersecurity solutions that can recognise patterns and detect phishing attempts, even when crafted by AI.
Secure communication protocols
Using encrypted and secure communication platforms can prevent sensitive information from being intercepted or spoofed. These protocols build a trusted channel for internal and external communication. Consider:
Implementing encryption for sensitive communications.
The use of secure platforms for internal communication instead of relying on easily spoofed emails.
Regular security audits
Frequent security assessments help identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with best practices. Proactive audits keep your defences up to date against evolving threats. Regularly:
Assess and update security measures regularly.
Identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by AI-driven phishing.
Mitigate the risks
By combining technology, education, and policy, you can effectively mitigate the risks posed by AI phishing attacks. This guidance on the National Cyber Security Centre helps small to medium sized organisations deal with business email compromise (BEC).
>> Business email compromise: defending your organisation
It provides actions to help businesses reduce the likelihood of being affected by BEC, and includes steps to take if you think your organisation has already been compromised.