LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Advances in technology can definitely make life simpler. Unfortunately, new tech also makes it easier for bad actors to commit more cyber crime unless you know what to watch out for.
Artificial intelligence, or AI, isn’t new, but it is evolving quickly. It allows criminals to create more personalized phishing scams. Those are the type involving email. Bad actors use AI to analyze both your online activity and your social media profiles. They use what they learn to create emails that appear to come from someone you know, even though they don’t. Cybercriminals use this personal touch to lower your guard and raise the likelihood that you’ll respond.
Another tech vulnerability may lurk in all the smart devices in your home. You can now access everything from your thermostat to your garage door via your phone, which is very convenient. However, there are no uniform security standards for these devices. That can make them easy to hack. Anything with a smart speaker, like Alexa or your Google assistant, collects huge amounts of personal data. If your smart devices or your network aren’t secure, your personal data could get leaked or stolen.
To protect yourself from this type of high-tech cybercrime, make sure your network has a secure password. If your router came with a generic password, update it to a secure one as soon as possible. Keep your devices updated. Updates often fix security issues or vulnerabilities. And, be careful what you share online. Remember, your personal information can be used to create highly personalized scams.
Copyright 2025 KVVU. All rights reserved.
