Norton’s latest Consumer Cyber Safety Pulse report reveals that scams [4] [6], phishing [2] [3] [4] [5] [6], and other forms of human manipulation accounted for over 75% of all digital threats in the first half of 2023 globally [2]. Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create more sophisticated and realistic scams [4], making them harder to detect [2] [4].
Description
Norton has identified various online scams [3] [5], including e-shop scams [2] [3] [5], sextortion scams [2] [3] [5] [6], and tech support scams [2] [3] [5]. E-shop scams involve fake online stores that never deliver products after purchase [2]. Sextortion scams threaten to release compromising information unless a ransom is paid [2]. Tech support scams involve fraudsters posing as tech support agents to gain remote access to victims’ computers [2]. To combat these scams [3] [5], Norton has released Norton Genie [3] [4] [5], a free AI-powered scam detection tool that detects text [4], social media [3] [4] [5], and email scams [3] [4] [5]. Norton Genie is available for iOS and Android [4]. Norton also recommends several tips to protect against scams [1] [3] [5], such as verifying the authenticity of retail websites [1] [4], double-checking the identity of unknown callers [1], adding security layers to purchases [1] [3] [5], and being cautious about sharing personal information online [1] [4] [5].
Norton has blocked over 1.5 billion threats [3] [4] [5] [6], including phishing attempts [2] [6], desktop threats [2] [3] [5] [6], mobile threats [2] [3] [4] [6], and trackers and fingerprinting attempts during the first half of 2023. Norton AntiTrack has also blocked over 2.6 billion trackers and fingerprinting attempts [4]. The report highlights a rise in scams that leverage AI to make them more realistic and harder to detect [6]. Third-party evidence from ESET supports Norton’s findings [6], showing a 178% increase in sextortion emails between the first half of 2022 and the same period in 2023 [6].
Conclusion
The use of artificial intelligence by cybercriminals to create sophisticated scams poses a significant challenge in detecting and preventing digital threats. Norton’s release of Norton Genie [3] [5], an AI-powered scam detection tool [1] [3] [4] [5], is a step towards combating these scams. However, the rise in scams leveraging AI highlights the need for continuous advancements in cybersecurity measures. The report’s findings, supported by third-party evidence, underscore the urgency for individuals to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their online privacy and identity. Norton [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6], as a leader in Cyber Safety [3], offers comprehensive protection for devices, online privacy [3] [4], and identity [3] [4], helping users stay safe in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
References
[1] https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2309/S00278/norton-consumer-cyber-safety-pulse-report-a-look-at-the-most-common-online-scams-in-2023.htm
[2] https://menafn.com/1107112637/Scams-Phishing-Made-Up-Over-75-Of-Digital-Threats-In-First-Half-Of-2023-Report
[3] https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/norton-consumer-cyber-safety-pulse-report-a-look-at-the-most-common-online-scams-in-2023-1032643394
[4] https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/GEN-DIGITAL-INC-4907/news/Norton-Consumer-Cyber-Safety-Pulse-Report-A-Look-at-the-Most-Common-Online-Scams-in-2023-44886350/
[5] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/norton-consumer-cyber-safety-pulse-report-a-look-at-the-most-common-online-scams-in-2023-301932658.html
[6] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/scams-now-make-up-75-cyber-threats/
