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How do hackers hack phones? In several ways. But also, there are several ways you can prevent it from happening to you. The thing is that our phones are like little treasure chests. They’re loaded with plenty of personal data, and we use them to shop, bank, and take care of other personal and financial matters—all of which are of high value to identity thieves. However, you can protect yourself and your phone by knowing what to look out for and by taking a few simple steps. Let’s break it down by first understanding what phone hacking is, taking a look at some common attacks, and learning how you can prevent it.
Phone hacking refers to any method where an unauthorized third party gains access to your smartphone and its data. This isn’t just one single technique; it covers a wide range of cybercrimes. A phone hack can happen through software vulnerabilities, like the spyware campaigns throughout the years that could monitor calls and messages. It can also occur over unsecured networks, such as a hacker intercepting your data on public Wi-Fi. Sometimes, it’s as simple as physical access, where someone installs tracking software on an unattended device.
Hackers have multiple avenues of attacking your phone. Among these common methods are using malicious apps disguised as legitimate software, exploiting the vulnerabilities of unsecure public Wi-Fi networks, or deploying sophisticated zero-click exploits that require no interaction from you at all. The most common method, however, remains social engineering, where they trick you into giving them access. Let’s further explore these common hacking techniques below.
Whether hackers sneak it onto your phone by physically accessing your phone or by tricking you into installing it via a phony app, a sketchy website, or a phishing attack, hacking software can create problems for you in a couple of ways:
Some possible signs of hacking software on your phone include:
In all, hacking software can eat up system resources, create conflicts with other apps, and use your data or internet connection to pass your personal information into the hands of hackers.
This classic form of attack has been leveled at our computers for years. Phishing is where hackers impersonate a company or trusted individual to get access to your accounts or personal info or both. These attacks take many forms such as emails, texts, instant messages, and so forth, some of which can look really legitimate. Common to them are links to bogus sites that attempt to trick you into handing over personal info or that install malware to wreak havoc on your device or likewise steal information. Learning to spot a phishing attack is one way to keep yourself from falling victim to one.
Professional hackers can use dedicated technologies that search for vulnerable mobile devices with an open Bluetooth connection. Hackers can pull off these attacks when they are within range of your phone, up to 30 feet away, usually in a populated area. When hackers make a Bluetooth connection to your phone, they might access your data and info, yet that data and info must be downloaded while the phone is within range. This is a more sophisticated attack given the effort and technology involved.
In August of 2019, then CEO of Twitter had his phone hacked by SIM card swapping scam. In this type of scam, a hacker contacts your phone provider, pretends to be you, then asks for a replacement SIM card. Once the provider sends the new SIM to the hacker, the old SIM card is deactivated, and your phone number will be effectively stolen. This enables the hacker to take control of your phone calls, messages, among others. The task of impersonating someone else seems difficult, yet it happened to the CEO of a major tech company, underscoring the importance of protecting your personal info and identity online to prevent hackers from pulling off this and other crimes.
While a phone call itself cannot typically install malware on your device, it is a primary tool for social engineering, known as vishing or voice phishing. A hacker might call, impersonating your bank or tech support company, and trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords or financial details. They might also try to convince you to install a malicious app. Another common tactic is the “one-ring” scam, where they hang up hoping you’ll call back a premium-rate number. To stay safe, be wary of unsolicited calls, never provide personal data, block suspicious numbers, and check that your call forwarding isn’t enabled.
Generally, a phone that is powered off is a difficult target for remote hackers. However, modern smartphones aren’t always truly off. Features like Apple’s Find My network can operate in a low-power mode, keeping certain radios active. Furthermore, if a device has been previously compromised with sophisticated firmware-level malware, it could activate upon startup. The more common risk involves data that was already stolen before the phone was turned off or if the device is physically stolen. While it’s an uncommon scenario, the only sure way to take a device offline and completely sever all power is by removing the battery, where possible.
Hacking a phone’s camera is referred to as camfecting, usually done through malware or spyware hidden within a rogue application. Once installed, these apps can gain unauthorized permission to access your camera and record video or capture images without your knowledge. Occasionally, vulnerabilities in a phone’s operating system (OS) have been discovered that could allow for this, though these are rare and usually patched quickly. Protect yourself by regularly reviewing app permissions in your phone’s settings—for both iOS and Android—and revoking camera access for any app that doesn’t absolutely need it. Always keep your OS and apps updated to the latest versions.
This is a long-standing debate with no simple answer. iPhones are generally considered more secure due to Apple’s walled garden approach: a closed ecosystem, a strict vetting process for the App Store, and timely security updates for all supported devices. Android’s open-source nature offers more flexibility but also creates a more fragmented ecosystem, where security updates can be delayed depending on the device manufacturer. However, both platforms use powerful security features like application sandboxing.
The most important factor is not the brand but your behavior. A user who practices good digital hygiene—using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and vetting apps—is well-protected on any platform.
Detecting a phone hack early can save you from significant trouble. Watch for key red flags: your battery draining much faster than usual, unexpected spikes in your mobile data usage, a persistently hot device even when idle, or a sudden barrage of pop-up ads. You might also notice apps you don’t remember installing or find that your phone is running unusually slow. To check, go into your settings to review your battery and data usage reports for any strange activity. The most effective step you can take is to install a comprehensive security app, like McAfee® Mobile Security, to run an immediate scan and detect any threats.
Discovering that your phone has been hacked can be alarming, but acting quickly can help you regain control and protect your personal information. Here are the urgent steps to take so you can remove the hacker, secure your accounts, and prevent future intrusions.
While there are several ways a hacker can get into your phone and steal personal and critical information, here are a few tips to keep that from happening:
Your smartphone is central to your life, so protecting it is essential. Ultimately, your proactive security habits are your strongest defense against mobile hacking. Make a habit of keeping your operating system and apps updated, be cautious about the links you click and the networks you join, and use a comprehensive security solution like McAfee® Mobile Security.
By staying vigilant and informed, you can enjoy all the benefits of your mobile device with confidence and peace of mind. Stay tuned to McAfee for the latest on how to protect your digital world from emerging threats.
The post How Do Hackers Hack Phones and How Can I Prevent It? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Smartphone hacking is the unauthorized access to and control over a mobile device or its communications. This goes beyond a simple malware infection; it’s a targeted breach aimed at stealing your personal data, spying on your activities, or using your device for malicious purposes. Unlike general viruses that may just slow down your device, a hack can lead to severe real-world consequences. This article aims to increase your awareness about hacking methods, how to prevent it or determine if your phone has been infiltrated, and how to protect your phone moving forward.
Your smartphone is a goldmine of personal information, making it a high-value target for cybercriminals whose motivations are typically centered on financial gain and identity theft. Hackers seek banking credentials, credit card numbers, and access to payment apps for direct financial theft. Meanwhile, stealing your personal information—like emails, contacts, and passwords—allows them to commit identity fraud or sell on dark-web markets.
Beyond money, attackers may use your phone for surveillance, secretly activating your camera or microphone to spy on you. In other cases, they may hijack your device’s resources to include it in a botnet for larger attacks or hold your files hostage with ransomware. Understanding these threats is the first step in knowing how to protect yourself from them, so it’s vital to learn the methods hackers use to get into your phone.
While both iOS and Android are secure, their core philosophies create different opportunities for hackers. Android’s open-source nature allows for greater customization, including the ability to “sideload” third-party apps from outside the official Google Play Store. Unvetted apps with malicious code are a primary vector for malware.
In contrast, Apple’s iOS’s closed ecosystem makes it much harder to install unauthorized software. For this reason, many attacks targeting iPhones rely on social engineering, sophisticated zero-day exploits that target unknown vulnerabilities, or jailbroken devices, which strips away Apple’s built-in protections.
To protect your device, tailor your defense to its ecosystem. The best practice for Android users is to stick to the Google Play Store and ensure Google Play Protect is active, as it continuously scans your apps for harmful behavior. iPhone users concerned about targeted attacks should activate Lockdown Mode, an extreme feature that limits functionality to reduce the potential attack surface. Regardless of your platform, keeping your operating system updated is the single most important step you can take to stay secure.
Wondering how your phone gets compromised? Hackers use several common pathways.
A hacker might install spyware after you jailbreak or root your smartphone to bypass the security of their respective stores. Jailbreaking or rooting gives smartphone users more control over their devices, such as removing pre-installed apps and installing third-party apps from unvetted sources. However, this action removes barriers that keep viruses and malware from entering the smartphone’s system and spreading to apps, files, devices and other networks. And because Apple and Google don’t review the apps in those sources, this allows the hacker to post a bad app with relative ease.
Apple has a strict review policy before apps are approved for posting in the App Store. Meanwhile, Google started applying AI-powered threat detection, stronger privacy policies, supercharged developer tools, industry-wide alliances, and other methods in its app reviews. Bad actors, however, could still sneak malware into the stores by uploading infected app versions during updates. Other times, they’ll embed malicious code that triggers only in certain countries or encrypt malicious code into the app they submit, making it difficult for reviewers to sniff out.
Cybercriminals have several sophisticated methods to hack smartphones remotely. One common technique is phishing, where you might receive a text or email with a malicious link that, when clicked, installs spyware on your device. Another remote hacking vector is through unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, where hackers can intercept your data. Spyware can also be delivered via SMS payloads that require no user interaction.
Smishing (SMS phishing) is a common and effective way for hackers to attack your phone, where they send an urgent text with a malicious link, like a fake delivery notification or a bank alert, to trick you into clicking without thinking. Once you click, the link can lead to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials or directly download malware onto your device. Attackers also use MMS messages to send malicious files, like images or videos, which in some rare “zero-click” exploits, can infect your phone without you even opening the message.
To protect yourself, treat all unexpected links in text messages with suspicion. Never click on a link from an unknown sender. A key preventive step is to go into your messaging app’s settings and disable the automatic download of MMS files. This prevents malicious media from loading onto your device automatically. Always verify urgent requests by contacting the company or person directly through a trusted channel, not by using the contact information provided in the suspicious text.
In this method, hackers use techniques like drive-by downloads, which silently installs malware onto your device the moment a page loads—no click required. Malvertising is where malicious code is hidden in online ads that, if served on a site you visit, can trigger a spyware or ransomware download. These attacks are most effective against devices with outdated web browsers, as they target known security holes that have since been patched. Fake “update required” pop-ups are designed to scare you into installing malicious software disguised as a critical browser update. To protect yourself, always keep your mobile browser and operating system fully updated. Use your browser’s built-in safe-browsing features, and be cautious about granting permissions or clicking links on unfamiliar websites.
These two sophisticated attacks can give a hacker complete control over your phone number. In a SIM-swap attack, a criminal tricks your mobile carrier into transferring your phone number to a SIM card they control. In phone cloning, they copy the identifying information from your phone to another, making a functional duplicate. In either case, the attacker can then intercept your calls, texts, and two-factor authentication codes.
Proactive defense includes setting up a unique PIN or password on your account for an extra layer of security. Switch to an eSIM if possible, as eSIMs are not as easily swapped as physical cards. If you suspect an attack, immediately report the issue to your carrier and check your financial and email accounts for unauthorized activity. You can also use the dial codes, like *#62#, to see if your calls are being forwarded to an unknown number.
Malicious apps and spyware can secretly access your camera and microphone, potentially livestreaming audio and video to an attacker without your knowledge. Key warning signs include the camera indicator light turning on unexpectedly, significant and unexplained battery drain, or finding unfamiliar photos and videos in your gallery. To protect yourself, regularly audit the apps installed on your phone. Go into your device’s settings to review which apps have permission to access your camera and revoke access for any that don’t need it.
Network-based attacks occur over unsecured public Wi-Fi where attackers can intercept your data. Finally, unsecure cloud backups can be a weak point, as a compromised password for your Apple or Google account could give a hacker access to all the data you’ve stored. Knowing these attack vectors is the first step toward understanding how to know if your phone is hacked.
Because we spend so much time on our phones, it’s fairly easy to tell when something isn’t working right. Sometimes those issues are symptoms of an infection. Possible signs that your device has been hacked include:
If these symptoms are present, use the following tools to verify whether your device has been compromised:
The results of the scan are in: your smartphone has clearly been hacked. There is no time to lose. To start the process of blocking the hacker or removing the malware, follow these essential first steps:
Persistent problems with your smartphone after a factory reset, may indicate a sophisticated, low-level hack. If you are the victim of significant financial fraud or identity theft, or if the hack involves sensitive legal or corporate data, it is crucial to stop using your smartphone and get assistance. In these cases, continued use could tamper with evidence.
After reporting the hacking incident to your mobile carrier, and authorities, you may need a certified digital forensic analyst for deep analysis, especially in corporate or legal cases. Before you call, gather key information: the make and model of your phone, the date you first noticed issues, a list of suspicious apps or messages, and any known fraudulent activity on your accounts.
Certain dial codes, also known as Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) or Man-Machine Interface (MMI) codes, can help you check for signs of suspicious activity or hidden configurations. These codes can reveal call forwarding, SIM tracking, or conditional redirects that may indicate a compromise:
You can take simple, effective steps to protect yourself and your device from hackers. Here are some practical tips, from the basic to the more layered steps, to help you block hackers from accessing your phone.
To avoid the hassle of having a hacked phone in the first place, here are some fundamental measures you can do as part of your routine:
Beyond the foundational advice, fortifying your smartphone requires a layered defense. We suggest the following actions you can apply:
Securing your device doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, many powerful protections are just a tap away. This quick checklist offers quick and simple security settings you can enable with minimal effort.
Does dialing *#21# show if I’m hacked?
This code shows if your calls and messages are being forwarded, which can be a sign of a hack, but it doesn’t detect other types of malware or spyware.
Can iPhones get viruses?
While less common due to Apple’s strong security structure, iPhones can still be compromised, especially through malicious apps from outside the App Store or sophisticated phishing attacks.
Will a factory reset remove spyware?
In most cases, yes. A factory reset erases all data and apps on your device, including most forms of malware and spyware, returning it to its original state.
Can my phone be hacked while powered off?
A phone that is truly powered off cannot be hacked remotely. When the device is off, its wireless radios (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) are inactive, and the operating system is not running, cutting off any connection for an attacker to exploit. In Airplane Mode, only the radios are disabled, but leaves the OS running.
The myth of a phone being hacked while off often stems from two things: advanced, targeted attacks that fake a shutdown to compromise firmware, or physical attacks like a “cold boot” where a forensics expert with physical access can extract data from the RAM shortly after shutdown. To mitigate these extremely rare risks, always ensure your phone is fully encrypted, a default setting on modern iPhones and Androids, to make data unreadable even if accessed physically.
For everyday security, shutting off your phone is a good first step to sever any potential malicious connection.
Does my iPhone need antivirus?
If your iPhone is not jailbroken, you don’t need antivirus. But your phone should still get extra protection to deal with other cyberthreats such as scammy text messages, phishing and AI-driven attempts. Comprehensive online protection software like McAfee keeps you and your phone safer. It can:
Those are only some of the many McAfee capabilities that protect you and your phone.
Recognizing the signs your phone is hacked is the critical first step, but swift and correct action is what truly protects you.
You can usually determine your smartphone has been hacked by observing any unusual behavior patterns, such as unexplained battery drain, data usage spikes, a blitz of ad pop-ups, unexplained charges on your banking accounts, and even mysterious calls, texts, or apps. Another way to confirm a breach is by running built-in diagnostics such as security scans and security keys. If any of the odd behaviors listed above sound familiar, don’t wait. Take immediate action and implement a layered defense.
In the first place, you can significantly reduce your risk of being hacked through regular software updates, careful app management, and smart browsing habits. Another important component is installing a complete privacy, identity and device solution like McAfee that provides comprehensive protection.
Don’t wait until you suspect a breach; adopt these protective strategies today to keep your digital life private and secure.
The post How To Tell If Your Smartphone Has Been Hacked appeared first on McAfee Blog.
“My phone’s been hacked!” These are words you never want to hear or say. Ever. You are not alone in this sentiment.
Our phones have become the central hub of our lives, storing everything from personal and financial information, access to payment apps, files, photos, and contacts. This has made our phones irresistible, prized targets for cyber criminals. And because these devices are always on and always with us, the opportunity for attack is constant. What are the signs that you have been hacked and how can you reclaim your control? This guide walks you through the common indicators of a hacked phone and what steps you can take to protect your data and privacy.
Phone hacking is the unauthorized access and control of your smartphone and its data. It can happen to any person and any device, whether it’s an iPhone or an Android. To achieve this, cybercriminals—also called hackers—use various types of malicious software, sometimes called malware, such as:
These attacks are typically motivated by financial gain, such as stealing banking credentials, or by a desire to monitor someone’s personal life.
Phone hacking isn’t just a technical or convenience issue. It has real and often costly consequences for your personal life, finances, and privacy. Here, we list the kinds of losses you might face with a hacked phone:
The consequences of a hacked phone go far beyond inconvenience. This is why it is so critical to stay alert for the warning signs of a compromise and know exactly what to do if your phone is hacked.
The unfortunate reality is that anyone’s phone can be targeted and successfully hacked. Cybercriminals have developed several sophisticated methods that allow them to remotely take over your device. These tactics are done mainly by surreptitiously installing malicious software or malware, monitoring calls and messages, stealing personal information, or even taking over your various accounts. Here are detailed explanations for each hacking method:
To be certain that your phone has been hacked, here are some signs you should consider. Note that these might be signs of a hacked phone, yet not always.
If you see several of these signs, it’s crucial to take immediate action to secure your device and data.
Ultimately, the biggest factor in security is user behavior. Regardless of whether you use Android or iOS, practising safe habits—like avoiding suspicious links, using strong passwords, and keeping your operating system updated—is the most critical defense against having your phone hacked.
This is a long-standing debate, and the truth is that both platforms can be hacked. Android’s open-source nature and accommodation of third-party sources apps create more potential vulnerabilities. Additionally, security updates can sometimes be delayed depending on the device manufacturer. iPhones, while generally more secure, can be vulnerable if a user jailbreaks the device or falls victim to phishing and other social engineering scams.
Simply answering a phone call cannot install malware on a modern, updated smartphone. The real danger comes from social engineering, where the caller will convince you into taking an action that compromises your security such as giving your personal information or installing something yourself. This is often called vishing or voice phishing.
Yes, your phone’s camera and microphone can be hacked, a process known as camfecting. This is typically done using spyware hidden in malicious apps disguised as legitimate software that you may have been tricked into installing. Signs of a compromised camera include the indicator light turning on unexpectedly, finding photos or videos in your gallery that you didn’t take, or experiencing unusually high battery drain.
When your phone is completely powered down, its network connections and most of its hardware are inactive, making it impossible to be actively hacked over the internet. However, some modern smartphones have features that remain active even when the device seems off, like the location tracker. Sophisticated, state-level spyware like Pegasus are also theoretically capable of attacking a device’s firmware even while turned off.
Sometimes you are fortunate enough to catch the hacking attempt while it is in progress, such as during a vishing incident. When this happens, you can take these immediate steps to thwart the hacker before, during and after:
Discovering that your phone has been hacked can be alarming, but acting quickly can help minimize the damage and restore your privacy. Here are the actions to take to regain control and protect your personal information:
Applying security measures the moment you bring home your brand new phone helps to keep your phone from getting hacked in the first place. It only takes a few minutes. Follow these tips to find yourself much safer from the start:
Protecting your phone from hackers doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By remaining vigilant for the warning signs, keeping your software updated, and using trusted security tools, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting your phone infiltrated. Think of your digital security as an ongoing practice, not a one-time fix.
Mobile security solutions like McAfee Mobile Security are specifically designed to scan your device for malware, spyware, and other malicious code. Key features to look for in a quality security app include real-time antivirus protection, web protection to block dangerous websites, and privacy monitoring to check which apps have access to your personal data. McAfee Mobile Security also offers award-winning antivirus, real-time malware scanning to stop malicious apps before they can cause harm. The included Secure VPN encrypts your connection, making public Wi-Fi safe for browsing and banking. With features like Identity Monitoring to alert you if your details are found on the dark web and Safe Browsing to block risky websites, you’re protected from multiple angles.
Be very cautious of fake anti-hack apps; these could be scams that can install malware themselves. To be safe, always download security software from reputable providers through official channels like the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store.
The post How to Know If Your Phone Has Been Hacked appeared first on McAfee Blog.
When we come across the term Artificial Intelligence (AI), our mind often ventures into the realm of sci-fi movies like I, Robot, Matrix, and Ex Machina. We’ve always perceived AI as a futuristic concept, something that’s happening in a galaxy far, far away. However, AI is not only here in our present but has also been a part of our lives for several years in the form of various technological devices and applications.
In our day-to-day lives, we use AI in many instances without even realizing it. AI has permeated into our homes, our workplaces, and is at our fingertips through our smartphones. From cell phones with built-in smart assistants to home assistants that carry out voice commands, from social networks that determine what content we see to music apps that curate playlists based on our preferences, AI has its footprints everywhere. Therefore, it’s integral to not only embrace the wows of this impressive technology but also understand and discuss the potential risks associated with it.
→ Dig Deeper: Artificial Imposters—Cybercriminals Turn to AI Voice Cloning for a New Breed of Scam
AI, a term that might sound intimidating to many, is not so when we understand it. It is essentially technology that can be programmed to achieve certain goals without assistance. In simple words, it’s a computer’s ability to predict, process data, evaluate it, and take necessary action. This smart way of performing tasks is being implemented in education, business, manufacturing, retail, transportation, and almost every other industry and cultural sector you can think of.
AI has been doing a lot of good too. For instance, Instagram, the second most popular social network, is now deploying AI technology to detect and combat cyberbullying in both comments and photos. No doubt, AI is having a significant impact on everyday life and is poised to metamorphose the future landscape. However, alongside its benefits, AI has brought forward a set of new challenges and risks. From self-driving cars malfunctioning to potential jobs lost to AI robots, from fake videos and images to privacy breaches, the concerns are real and need timely discussions and preventive measures.
AI has made it easier for people to face-swap within images and videos, leading to “deep fake” videos that appear remarkably realistic and often go viral. A desktop application called FakeApp allows users to seamlessly swap faces and share fake videos and images. While this displays the power of AI technology, it also brings to light the responsibility and critical thinking required when consuming and sharing online content.
→ Dig Deeper: The Future of Technology: AI, Deepfake, & Connected Devices
Yet another concern raised by AI is privacy breaches. The Cambridge Analytica/Facebook scandal of 2018, alleged to have used AI technology unethically to collect Facebook user data, serves as a reminder that our private (and public) information can be exploited for financial or political gain. Thus, it becomes crucial to discuss and take necessary steps like locking down privacy settings on social networks and being mindful of the information shared in the public feed, including reactions and comments on other content.
McAfee Pro Tip: Cybercriminals employ advanced methods to deceive individuals, propagating sensationalized fake news, creating deceptive catfish dating profiles, and orchestrating harmful impersonations. Recognizing sophisticated AI-generated content can pose a challenge, but certain indicators may signal that you’re encountering a dubious image or interacting with a perpetrator operating behind an AI-generated profile. Know the indicators.
With the advent of AI, cybercrime has found a new ally. As per McAfee’s Threats Prediction Report, AI technology might enable hackers to bypass security measures on networks undetected. This can lead to data breaches, malware attacks, ransomware, and other criminal activities. Moreover, AI-generated phishing emails are scamming people into unknowingly handing over sensitive data.
→ Dig Deeper: How to Keep Your Data Safe From the Latest Phishing Scam
Bogus emails are becoming highly personalized and can trick intelligent users into clicking malicious links. Given the sophistication of these AI-related scams, it is vital to constantly remind ourselves and our families to be cautious with every click, even those from known sources. The need to be alert and informed cannot be overstressed, especially in times when AI and cybercrime often seem to be two sides of the same coin.
As homes evolve to be smarter and synced with AI-powered Internet of Things (IoT) products, potential threats have proliferated. These threats are not limited to computers and smartphones but extend to AI-enabled devices such as voice-activated assistants. According to McAfee’s Threat Prediction Report, these IoT devices are particularly susceptible as points of entry for cybercriminals. Other devices at risk, as highlighted by security experts, include routers, and tablets.
This means we need to secure all our connected devices and home internet at its source – the network. Routers provided by your ISP (Internet Security Provider) are often less secure, so consider purchasing your own. As a primary step, ensure that all your devices are updated regularly. More importantly, change the default password on these devices and secure your primary network along with your guest network with strong passwords.
Having an open dialogue about AI and its implications is key to navigating through the intricacies of this technology. Parents need to have open discussions with kids about the positives and negatives of AI technology. When discussing fake videos and images, emphasize the importance of critical thinking before sharing any content online. Possibly, even introduce them to the desktop application FakeApp, which allows users to swap faces within images and videos seamlessly, leading to the production of deep fake photos and videos. These can appear remarkably realistic and often go viral.
Privacy is another critical area for discussion. After the Cambridge Analytica/Facebook scandal of 2018, the conversation about privacy breaches has become more significant. These incidents remind us how our private (and public) information can be misused for financial or political gain. Locking down privacy settings, being mindful of the information shared, and understanding the implications of reactions and comments are all topics worth discussing.
Awareness and knowledge are the best tools against AI-enabled cybercrime. Making families understand that bogus emails can now be highly personalized and can trick even the most tech-savvy users into clicking malicious links is essential. AI can generate phishing emails, scamming people into handing over sensitive data. In this context, constant reminders to be cautious with every click, even those from known sources, are necessary.
→ Dig Deeper: Malicious Websites – The Web is a Dangerous Place
The advent of AI has also likely allowed hackers to bypass security measures on networks undetected, leading to data breaches, malware attacks, and ransomware. Therefore, being alert and informed is more than just a precaution – it is a vital safety measure in the digital age.
Artificial Intelligence has indeed woven itself into our everyday lives, making things more convenient, efficient, and connected. However, with these advancements come potential risks and challenges. From privacy breaches, and fake content, to AI-enabled cybercrime, the concerns are real and need our full attention. By understanding AI better, having open discussions, and taking appropriate security measures, we can leverage this technology’s immense potential without falling prey to its risks. In our AI-driven world, being informed, aware, and proactive is the key to staying safe and secure.
To safeguard and fortify your online identity, we strongly recommend that you delve into the extensive array of protective features offered by McAfee+. This comprehensive cybersecurity solution is designed to provide you with a robust defense against a wide spectrum of digital threats, ranging from malware and phishing attacks to data breaches and identity theft.
The post AI & Your Family: The Wows and Potential Risks appeared first on McAfee Blog.
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