Understanding AI Helps You Protect Yourself

You’ve undoubtedly been hearing a lot about artificial intelligence, or AI. But how close are you to understanding AI?

The goal of AI, as it transforms the world around us, is to make our lives easier and more efficient. However, as it has been with other technological advancements throughout history, new challenges also arise. With AI, these challenges are especially important when it comes to security.

Follow along with Rob LaMagna-Reiter, Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer at WoodmenLife, as he leads a deep dive into AI. Not only will it help you understand AI, but it will also give you tips to protect yourself from deepfakes and scammers.

What Is AI?

AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. These systems can perform tasks such as recognizing speech, making decisions, and translating languages.

AI in Our Daily Lives

Understanding AI is easy when you realize how seamlessly it’s integrated into your everyday activities. Here are some common ways AI is with you today:

• Voice assistants. Devices like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa use AI to understand and respond to voice commands, helping with tasks such as setting reminders, playing music, and answering questions.
• Navigation apps. AI powers apps like Google Maps and Waze to provide real-time traffic updates, suggest the fastest routes, and estimate arrival times.
• Streaming services. Platforms like Netflix and Spotify use AI algorithms to analyze your preferences and recommend movies, shows, and music tailored to your tastes.
• E-commerce. Online retailers like Amazon use AI to personalize shopping experiences, suggest products, and optimize inventory management.
• Smart home devices. AI is at the core of smart home technologies, including thermostats, security cameras, and lighting systems, which can learn your habits and adjust settings automatically.
• Healthcare. AI assists in diagnosing diseases, predicting patient outcomes, and personalizing treatment plans.
• Financial services. Banks and financial institutions use AI for fraud detection, credit scoring, and personalized financial advice.

The Rise of Deepfakes

Understanding AI and its capabilities will help you recognize when bad actors are using it to deceive you. These deepfakes are AI-generated content that use deep learning techniques to create realistic but fake images, videos, or audio recordings.

These can be used to impersonate individuals, making it appear as though they are saying or doing things they never did. While deepfakes can be used for harmless entertainment, they also pose significant risks, including misinformation, fraud, and identity theft.

The goal of AI, as it transforms the world around us, is to make our lives easier and more efficient. However, as it has been with other technological advancements throughout history, new challenges also arise.

Establishing Trust and Assurance

Navigating the digital world safely is more than understanding AI. Establishing trust and assurance is crucial, too. Here are some steps you can take:

• Verify sources. Always check the credibility of the source of information. Look for verified accounts, official websites, and reputable news outlets.
• Check for generated content. There are applications that can determine if an image, video, or voice is synthetic.
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Protect your accounts with MFA, which requires more than one method of authentication to verify your identity.
• Stay informed. Keep up to date with the latest security trends and threats. Awareness is your first line of defense.
• Enable automatic security updates. This step helps limit what an attacker can exploit if your device is compromised.
• Educate yourself and others: Learn about the common tactics used by scammers and share this knowledge with friends and family.
• Establish a “trust phrase.” Think of a phrase, or combination of words, that only you, your family, or friends can use to establish your identity. If you’re ever in a position where you’re questioning the authenticity of a phone call, image, or video, challenge the recipient for your trust phrase.

Protecting Yourself From Deepfakes and Scammers

Here are some practical tips to help you stay safe:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited messages. If you receive an unexpected message, email, or call, be cautious. Scammers often use these methods to trick you into providing personal information.
• Check for inconsistencies. Deepfakes may have subtle inconsistencies, such as unnatural facial movements or mismatched audio and video. Pay attention to these details.
• Use trusted software. Utilize software and tools that can detect deepfakes and other fraudulent content. Many cybersecurity companies offer solutions to help identify and block these threats.
• Report suspicious activity. If you encounter a deepfake or suspect a scam, report it to the relevant authorities or platforms. This helps protect others and can lead to the removal of harmful content.

Being Aware Is Being Secure

“AI has the potential to bring about incredible advancements,” LaMagna-Reiter said, “but it also introduces new security challenges. By staying informed, verifying sources, and using the right tools, you can protect yourself from deepfakes and scammers.”

Understanding AI is crucial to navigating the digital world safely. Be aware and stay vigilant!

For more information about WoodmenLife and how we can help protect your financial future, visit WoodmenLife.org.

Written by: Gary Peterson, Senior Copywriter

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