Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the business world by storm. It’s helping companies work faster, smarter, and more efficiently than ever before. But here’s the part that’s easy to forget — the same AI tools that make your life easier are also available to cybercriminals.
As AI becomes more powerful, attackers are finding creative ways to use it for scams, impersonation, and malware. Some of these new threats can seem straight out of a horror movie. So this Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let’s shine a light on the “AI monsters” you should really watch out for — and how to stop them before they cause trouble.
Deepfakes in Your Video Chats
Imagine joining a Zoom call with what looks like your company’s CEO, who asks you to install a quick “update” or share a file. You’d probably do it, right? Unfortunately, that’s exactly how some new AI-powered attacks begin.
Deepfakes — videos or images created using AI to mimic real people — have become so convincing that even trained professionals can struggle to tell what’s real and what’s fake.
In one recent example, an employee at a cryptocurrency foundation joined a meeting that appeared to include several senior leaders from their company. But the “leaders” were actually AI-generated deepfakes. During the call, the employee was tricked into downloading a “Zoom extension,” which turned out to be a doorway for hackers.
For businesses, deepfakes make traditional verification processes — like “I saw them say it on video” — unreliable.
How to spot deepfakes in meetings or videos:
- Look for unnatural facial movements or lighting that doesn’t quite match.
- Notice long pauses, awkward silences, or lip movements that don’t line up with speech.
- Verify unexpected requests through a second channel — like a direct phone call or an internal chat.
When in doubt, confirm before you click or download.
AI-Powered Phishing Emails
Phishing emails have been around for decades, but AI has made them far more dangerous. In the past, you could spot a fake email because of broken English, odd phrasing, or misspelled words. Those days are gone.
Now, attackers use AI to craft flawless, professional-sounding emails in seconds. They can even translate them into multiple languages, personalize them with company names, and make fake websites that look exactly like the real thing.
For example: You might receive an email from what appears to be your payroll provider asking you to “update your direct deposit information.” Everything looks right — the logo, the tone, even the sender’s address. But one click takes you to a fake login page that steals your credentials.
How to protect your business:
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all important accounts. Even if your password is stolen, MFA keeps attackers out.
- Keep employees up to date with security awareness training so they can recognize subtle phishing red flags — like urgency (“act now!”), strange URLs, or unexpected attachments.
- Report suspicious emails to your IT provider before interacting with them.
Phishing attacks are still one of the most common causes of business breaches — but a trained team and the right safeguards make a huge difference.
Fake AI Apps Full of Malware
Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the “AI gold rush” by creating fake AI tools that secretly install malware. These scams often look legitimate — complete with flashy websites, logos, and even social media accounts promoting them.
For example, security researchers recently uncovered a TikTok account that claimed to offer “cracked” versions of popular AI programs like ChatGPT. The account instructed users to run a PowerShell command to unlock the software — but instead, it installed malware that gave hackers full control of the user’s device.
These fake AI tools aren’t just scams; they’re Trojan horses designed to infect systems and steal data.
How to avoid them:
- Only download AI tools from verified sources or official websites.
- Never install “free” or “cracked” versions of paid tools — they’re often loaded with malware.
- If your business wants to explore new AI technology, have your MSP (Managed Service Provider) vet the software first.
When something sounds too good to be true — especially in the world of AI — it usually is.
Ready to Chase the AI Ghosts Out of Your Business?
AI isn’t the enemy — but cybercriminals using it can be. From deepfakes to AI-generated phishing to fake software, the risks are growing fast. The good news is that awareness and preparation are your best defenses.
Haider Consulting helps Albuquerque businesses stay one step ahead by identifying vulnerabilities, testing defenses, and training teams to spot modern threats — including the new wave of AI-based attacks.
🎃 Don’t wait until the scary stuff becomes real.
Schedule your FREE Discovery Call today and let’s talk through how to keep your team safe from AI-powered threats — before they come knocking.