AI that can take over your PC. What could possibly go wrong?
This week:
3 – More scams targeting bank customers
1 – More malware targeting Android users
1 – More AI developments targeting our livelihoods
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3 – More scams targeting bank customers
“The public is being warned of a scam that persuades people to transfer their money after being told their account has been hacked.”
Summary: A recent scam involves fraudsters sending text messages that appear to be from legitimate banks, alerting recipients to unauthorised direct debits on their accounts. The message prompts individuals to call a provided number, where scammers, posing as bank representatives, instruct them to transfer funds to a so-called ‘safe’ account. Victims in Ireland have reportedly lost between €6,000 and €8,000 on average.
So what? Do not use phone numbers or click on links provided within the text of a text message. Contact your bank using the number on the back of your debit / credit card.
Source: Dublin Live
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2 – More malware targeting Android users
“FakeCall [malware targeting Android users] conducts the attacks by tricking victims into calling fraudulent phone numbers controlled by the attacker.”
Summary: This FakeCall Android malware has evolved since it was first identified in 2022.? It enables attackers to intercept and manipulate incoming and outgoing phone calls, so the criminals can impersonate legitimate entities. It can now also capture information displayed on the screen and turn on the device’s microphone so the attacker can listen into the Android user’s conversations in the physical world.
So what? Stories like this one only reinforce my completely biased view that Android security is a mess. While there are ways to infect Apple phones, the costs mean the risks are low for most Apple users. As a famous French company never said, you’re not worth it.
Source: Dark Reading
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1 – More AI developments targeting our livelihoods
“Anthropic [has] released an upgraded version of its Claude 3.5 Sonnet model that can understand and interact with any desktop app.”
Summary: This enhanced version of its AI model is now capable of controlling applications on your PC or laptop. It can perform user actions like typing text or moving the mouse, enabling it to perform tasks across various software platforms.
So what? When we hear about ‘AI’, it is only natural for us to think about ChatGPT and CoPilot. However, AI is so much more than chat. This particular development is a significant step forward in AI’s ability to gain ‘agency’ and automate complex workflows. It won’t be long before an AI can do anything you can do on your PC. So, tell me again where you’ve written your passwords? :)
Source: TechCrunch