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AI as an Attack Tool: How to Recognize Threats and Protect Yourself

AI is revolutionizing many areas of life, but unfortunately, it is also becoming a weapon in the hands of cybercriminals. AI enables the creation of realistic deepfakes, convincing phishing messages, and fake content that is difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Experts warn: AI-powered attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and can affect anyone – both at work and in private life.

  • By Witold Wojakowski, Michał Brandt
  • Case study
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Cybersecurity Awareness Month

This October, we are joining the global “Cybersecurity Awareness Month”, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of online safety. During our Cyber-Safe October, we will share practical tips for secure remote and office work and show you how to effectively protect yourself against different types of attacks. Stay tuned!

1. Deepfake – Impersonation

Deepfake is a technology that allows the creation of realistic videos or voice recordings depicting people in situations that never actually happened.
Examples of attacks:

  • A fake video of a company director allegedly instructing a money transfer.
  • A voice recording of a family member urgently requesting a transfer or sensitive data.

How to protect yourself:

  • Always verify unusual requests through official channels – e.g., a phone call or email from a previously known source.
  • Set up security passwords with your closest family members (these allow quick verification of potential fraud attempts). Remember, however, that the key information must not be available online.
  • Be extra cautious with recordings that create time pressure or trigger strong emotions.

2. AI-Generated Phishing

AI can craft personalized phishing messages that are harder to distinguish from legitimate ones. 
These may include:

  • Emails appearing as official bank or company communications.
  • SMS messages impersonating friends or family members.

How to protect yourself:

  • Check the sender and hover over links to see the actual URL.
  • Never share passwords or sensitive data, even if a message looks authentic.

3. Fake Content and Information Manipulation

AI enables the creation of articles, graphics, or social media posts that appear genuine but are designed to spread disinformation.

How to protect yourself:

  • Verify sources and cross-check facts across multiple independent outlets.
  • Be wary of headlines that provoke strong emotions – they are often used in disinformation campaigns.

Remember: AI makes attacks more effective, but basic security rules remain crucial—alertness, information verification, and protecting sensitive data. Awareness and employee education can greatly reduce the risk of AI being exploited in cybercrime.

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Want to learn more? Check out our other articles published during Cyber-Safe October:

  • Phishing – How to Spot It in 5 Steps

    Phishing is one of the most common methods of cyberattacks – it involves impersonating trusted sources to steal our data or money. Recognizing phishing isn’t always easy, but there are a few simple tips that can help protect both you and your company from this threat.

  • Protect yourself and your loved ones: cybersecurity in the family

    Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting families, exploiting emotions and lack of online experience. Scams like the so-called “grandchild scheme,” fake package delivery SMS messages with malicious links, or impersonating a bank are scenarios that can affect any of us.

  • Digital Detox and cyberhygiene: how to maintain balance in a digital world

    In a world where most of our work and personal life takes place online, it’s easy to forget about the balance between the digital and the real. Long hours in front of screens, constant notifications, and the pressure to always stay responsive can lead to stress, burnout, and reduced productivity. That’s why it’s worth introducing principles of digital detox and cyber hygiene, which help protect both mental health and data security.