Author name: mfaizanhassan4@gmail.com

Why Your Office Receptionist Might Be the First Line of Cyber Defence   Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and passwords — sometimes, it starts at the front desk. Receptionists are often the first point of contact for visitors, deliveries, and even potential social engineering attacks. Here’s why their role is critical in keeping your company safe, and how to equip them for the job. When people think about cybersecurity, they tend to picture IT departments, encrypted servers, and complex passwords. What they often overlook is the human barrier between a potential attacker and the rest of the company: the receptionist. Sitting at the front desk, they are the first person anyone — legitimate or otherwise — meets when entering your workplace. And in an era where cyberattacks often begin with physical access or social engineering, their role in defending the business has never been more important. Why the front desk is a prime target Attackers know that getting in is often the hardest part — and the front desk is the gateway. Criminals have realised they don’t need to hack into systems if they can simply walk in. Tailgating, fake deliveries, and forged IDs are all common tactics to bypass digital defences. The receptionist stands between these tactics and the rest of the building. But it’s not just about stopping intruders from walking through the door. Receptionists are also a key point of contact over the phone and via email, both of which can be exploited in pretexting and phishing attacks. Common tactics used against receptionists Social engineers thrive on confidence, charm, and urgency. The receptionist’s hidden role in cyber defence Their job isn’t just greeting guests — it’s protecting access points. Equipping receptionists for security success They can’t protect the business without the right tools, training, and authority. Physical security meets cyber defence The front desk is where the physical and digital worlds collide. Consider a scenario: An attacker talks their way past the receptionist and plugs a rogue USB stick into an unattended computer. Within seconds, they could install malware or steal sensitive files. That’s a cybersecurity breach — and it started with a face-to-face conversation. This is why physical security policies (like issuing visitor badges, escorting guests, and restricting access to certain areas) are just as important as password policies and software updates. Signs a receptionist might be facing a social engineering attempt Awareness comes from knowing what to look for. Creating a culture of security at the front desk It’s not about suspicion — it’s about cautious professionalism. When security awareness is built into the receptionist’s role from day one, it becomes second nature. They won’t see asking questions as rude; they’ll see it as part of their responsibility to protect the business. This culture should also encourage reporting. If a receptionist feels something was “off” about an interaction, it should be easy for them to flag it to security or management without hesitation. The bottom line Your receptionist is more than the face of your company — they’re often the first and last line of defence against physical breaches that can lead to cyberattacks. By investing in their training, giving them the right tools, and backing them up when they enforce security protocols, you’re strengthening one of your most important security assets. Because in today’s threat landscape, a friendly “hello” at the door might also be the moment your company avoids its next big breach.  

The New Pretexting Tricks No One Warned You About   Pretexting — the art of creating a believable cover story to get information — has been around for decades. But in 2025, scammers are blending AI, deepfakes, and real-world data to make their lies harder than ever to spot. Here’s what’s changed, and how to protect yourself from these next-generation cons. If phishing is about tricking you into clicking, pretexting is about tricking you into talking. Instead of sending a generic scam email, pretexters invent a scenario — the “pretext” — that sounds plausible enough for you to give them the details they want. In the past, this might have been a fake phone call from “IT support” or a courier with a delivery that needed confirmation. Today? The game has changed. Criminals have upgraded their stories, added technology into the mix, and learned to make pretexts so convincing that even experienced security professionals have been caught out. A quick refresher: how pretexting works The scammer doesn’t just ask for information — they make you want to give it. The pretexter plays a role, whether that’s a colleague, service provider, or authority figure. They use believable details to gain your trust, then request information or actions that give them access to systems, accounts, or data. The “success” of pretexting comes down to three things: What’s new in 2025 The latest pretexting tricks are far more personalised — and far harder to detect. Examples of next-gen pretexts Some of these sound far-fetched — until you realise they’ve already been used successfully. Why they work Even the most cautious people can fall for these — here’s why. How to defend yourself against modern pretexting Spotting these new tricks takes a sharper approach than the old “look for bad grammar” advice. What organisations should be doing This isn’t just an individual problem — companies need to adapt too. The bottom line Pretexting isn’t new, but the 2025 version is a different beast entirely. With AI, deepfakes, and massive amounts of personal data available online, attackers can now create scenarios so believable that even seasoned professionals can be caught off guard. The key to defence isn’t paranoia — it’s awareness, verification, and slowing down before you act. Because in the end, the most convincing story in the world still has one weakness: the person hearing it knows how to ask the right questions.  

Your LinkedIn Profile Could Be Helping Hackers Here’s How to Fix It LinkedIn is great for networking, but it’s also a goldmine for cybercriminals looking to gather information. From job titles to project details, the data you share can be used to launch targeted attacks. Here’s how to make your profile work for you — without making life easier for hackers. LinkedIn has become an essential tool for career growth. It connects you with potential employers, showcases your achievements, and helps you build a professional network. But while you’re using it to impress recruiters and industry peers, hackers might be using it for something else entirely — building a profile on you. Cybercriminals are patient. They don’t always launch attacks immediately. Sometimes, they spend weeks or even months gathering details about a target. And LinkedIn, with its wealth of professional and personal information, can be one of their richest hunting grounds. Why LinkedIn is so valuable to hackers To a cybercriminal, your profile isn’t just a CV it’s a blueprint. The information you share publicly can be used to: The oversharing problem You don’t need to post your entire work history to be “seen” online. Many LinkedIn users treat their profile like an extended CV, listing every role, every project, and sometimes even internal details like systems used or client names. While this might impress potential employers, it can also hand a cybercriminal exactly the information they need to target you or your organisation. Red flags on your profile Hackers don’t need much to start building a convincing scam — just one or two of these can be enough. Each of these can be useful on its own, but together they can create a frighteningly accurate picture of your professional life. How hackers turn details into attacks The danger isn’t just that they “know” about you it’s what they do with it. Let’s say you post that you’re leading a major system upgrade at your company, using a specific vendor’s software. A hacker might use that to: It’s not hypothetical there have been numerous cases where LinkedIn data was used to make phishing attempts almost impossible to distinguish from genuine requests. Locking down your LinkedIn without losing visibility You can still stand out to recruiters without standing out to criminals. Here’s how to balance visibility with security: Don’t forget about connection requests That “friendly” stranger could be an information-gathering bot. It’s easy to assume that every LinkedIn request comes from a genuine professional. In reality, attackers often create fake profiles to collect information and build credibility. They might use stolen profile photos, fake job histories, and even mutual connections to seem legitimate. Tips for vetting connection requests: The role of company policy Your LinkedIn security is also your employer’s security. Many organisations now include LinkedIn usage guidelines in their security training. This isn’t about controlling what you post — it’s about ensuring staff don’t inadvertently leak information that could be used in targeted attacks. If your company doesn’t have such guidance, consider suggesting it. Even a simple checklist for what’s safe to post could prevent major security incidents. The bottom line LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool, but like any public platform, it comes with risks. Every piece of information you share is another puzzle piece for someone with bad intentions. By tightening your privacy settings, thinking before you post, and treating every connection request with healthy scepticism, you can keep reaping LinkedIn’s professional benefits — without handing hackers the keys to your career and your company. Because in the digital age, networking should open doors — not open you up to attacks.

Traveling? 5 Digital Safety Mistakes People Still Make at Airports and Hotels   From free airport Wi-Fi to hotel room smart TVs, travel can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. Many travellers still overlook simple digital safety steps, leaving their personal data exposed. Here are the five most common mistakes — and how to avoid them on your next trip. Travel is exciting. New destinations, fresh experiences, and the thrill of being somewhere different. But in between flight gates and check-in desks, it’s easy to forget that airports and hotels can also be prime hunting grounds for hackers and scammers. Cybercriminals love these environments for one simple reason: people let their guard down. You’re tired from a long journey, juggling luggage, or distracted by trip planning. In that moment, you’re far more likely to take shortcuts with your digital safety — shortcuts criminals are ready to exploit. Here are the five most common mistakes people still make when travelling, and how you can avoid joining their ranks. 1. Connecting to public Wi-Fi without protection That “free airport Wi-Fi” might cost you more than you think. Public Wi-Fi networks — especially in airports, hotels, and cafés — are notoriously risky. On unsecured networks, hackers can intercept your data, monitor your browsing, and even capture login credentials. Worse, some criminals set up fake “free Wi-Fi” hotspots designed purely to steal information. How to avoid it: 2. Charging devices at public USB stations That convenient charging point could be a trap. Airports and hotels increasingly offer free USB charging stations, but these can be compromised with “juice jacking” devices — malicious hardware hidden inside that can install malware or steal data while your phone charges. How to avoid it: 3. Leaving devices unattended or unlocked It only takes a few seconds for someone to steal your device — or the data on it. Travellers often leave laptops or tablets unattended while grabbing a coffee or walk away from a table in a hotel lounge with their phone still sitting there. Even if the device isn’t stolen, an unlocked screen gives someone the opportunity to copy files or plant malicious software. How to avoid it: 4. Oversharing your location and travel plans online Your social media post could be the perfect invitation for a cybercriminal. Many people can’t resist posting boarding pass photos, location check-ins, or hotel room views online. While it might seem harmless, this information can be used to target you with travel-related scams or even compromise your home security while you’re away. How to avoid it: 5. Trusting hotel technology without caution That smart TV or business centre PC isn’t necessarily secure. Hotels often offer “smart” features — TVs you can log into with your streaming accounts, in-room tablets, or shared computers in the business centre. The problem? These devices may store your login details, or have outdated security, making them vulnerable to attack. How to avoid it: Building better travel habits Staying safe while travelling isn’t about paranoia — it’s about building habits that make you a harder target. A few simple steps, like using a VPN, keeping devices locked, and waiting until you’re home to share your trip online, can drastically cut your risk. Think of it like travel insurance: you hope you never need it, but it’s worth having in place just in case. In the same way, good digital safety habits are there to protect you from the unexpected — whether that’s a compromised hotel network or a thief with a quick hand. The bottom line Airports and hotels are designed to make travel smoother and more enjoyable. Unfortunately, they also create opportunities for cybercriminals looking for easy wins. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’re not just protecting your devices — you’re protecting your identity, your finances, and your peace of mind. Because while adventures are best shared, your personal data isn’t part of the souvenir list.

The Psychology of Trust: Why We Still Fall for Scams in the Digital Age   Technology has changed the way scams work — but the human brain hasn’t changed much at all. From authority bias to fear of missing out, scammers know exactly which psychological buttons to press. Here’s why we keep falling for the same tricks, and how to train your mind to spot them. We like to think we’re too smart to be scammed. After all, we’ve read the articles, sat through the awareness training, and laughed at the idea of someone sending their life savings to a stranger overseas. And yet, scams still work not just on the elderly or the “unaware,” but on highly educated, tech-savvy people too. The reason? Scammers don’t just target our devices they target our minds. Understanding why we fall for scams isn’t about admitting weakness. It’s about recognising that our brains are wired in ways that can be exploited — and learning how to defend against that. Trust: our default setting Humans are social creatures, and trust is part of how we survive — but it also makes us vulnerable. For most of human history, mistrusting everyone around you would have made life very difficult. We’re hardwired to believe what people tell us, especially if they appear to be part of our social group. In the digital age, this natural trust gets extended to emails, messages, and websites — even when we’ve never met the person on the other end. Scammers know this and work hard to look, sound, and behave like the people and brands we already trust. The shortcuts our brains take We make thousands of decisions a day, and most of them are based on mental shortcuts rather than deep analysis. Psychologists call these shortcuts “heuristics” — quick ways our brains make judgments. They’re useful, but they can be exploited. Some of the most common ones used in scams include: Why emotions beat logic When feelings are high, critical thinking drops. Scams often create an emotional state — fear, excitement, urgency — that makes us act before thinking. That’s why so many phishing messages warn of account closures, missed deliveries, or big opportunities. In neuroscience terms, your emotional brain (the amygdala) takes over, pushing your rational brain (the prefrontal cortex) to the side. In that state, clicking a link or sharing details feels like the right thing to do — and by the time you stop to think, it’s too late. Digital trust in a fakeable world We used to say “seeing is believing” — now, seeing might just be a deepfake. The internet has blurred the lines between real and fake. Emails can be perfectly spoofed, voices cloned, and videos manipulated to make anyone say anything. As the tools to fake reality get better, our built-in trust mechanisms struggle to keep up. This doesn’t just make us vulnerable to scams — it can also make us doubt real messages, creating a tricky balance between caution and paranoia. Why awareness isn’t enough Knowing scams exist doesn’t stop you from falling for them in the right (or wrong) moment. Awareness training often focuses on spotting obvious red flags — but modern scams are subtle. They arrive when you’re distracted, tired, or stressed, knowing you won’t analyse every detail. The reality is, even if you know the rules, you can still break them under pressure. That’s why good training isn’t just about information — it’s about practice, building habits that kick in automatically when something feels off. How to train your brain against scams You can’t rewire millions of years of human trust overnight — but you can make it harder for scammers to exploit it. The role of community Scammers don’t just target individuals — they target whole networks. One compromised account in a workplace or friend group can be used to target everyone else. That’s why sharing scam experiences — even the embarrassing ones — matters. The more openly we talk about scams, the less stigma there is, and the harder it becomes for criminals to repeat the same tricks. The bottom line Falling for a scam doesn’t mean you’re gullible — it means you’re human. Trust is part of how we connect, build relationships, and function as a society. But in the digital age, that same trust is a weapon scammers use against us. The answer isn’t to stop trusting altogether. It’s to slow down, verify, and stay aware that even the most convincing message might not be what it seems. Because in the end, the best defence isn’t about becoming suspicious of everything — it’s about recognising when your trust is being played.

Phishing 3.0: Why Old Advice Doesn’t Work Anymore   “Don’t click suspicious links” used to be enough — but phishing has evolved far beyond poorly written emails. In the age of AI-generated messages, deepfakes, and personalised scams, the old rules aren’t enough to keep you safe. Here’s what’s changed, and how to defend yourself in 2025. For years, phishing advice was simple: don’t click links from strangers, check for bad grammar, and look for dodgy email addresses. And for a while, that worked. But in 2025, phishing has grown up. The criminals behind these attacks have better tools, more convincing tactics, and the ability to customise their scams to you personally. The days of obvious red flags are gone — and if you’re still relying on old advice, you could be an easy target without realising it. From sloppy scams to polished cons Phishing emails used to be easy to laugh at — now, they’re harder to spot than legitimate messages. Back in the day, a typical phishing email was riddled with spelling mistakes, strange formatting, and outlandish claims. Many were so badly done that you could sniff them out instantly. But with artificial intelligence now able to produce flawless copy, those old giveaways have disappeared. Scammers can generate convincing, professional-looking emails in seconds — even matching the tone and style of your boss, your bank, or your favourite retailer. Phishing 3.0: More than just emails If you think phishing only happens in your inbox, you’re already behind the curve. Today’s phishing attacks can arrive through: In short, phishing now follows you across every digital channel — and sometimes even into real-world conversations. Why the old advice fails The rules we learned years ago don’t cover today’s threats — and in some cases, they can give a false sense of security. Here’s why: If you’re only looking for the “classic” warning signs, you could miss the subtle tricks used today. The new red flags to watch for In the world of Phishing 3.0, spotting a scam is about noticing what feels slightly off. How to protect yourself in 2025 Beating phishing now requires layered habits, not one-off tips. The role of AI — friend and foe AI has supercharged phishing, but it can also help defend against it. Security tools now use AI to detect unusual communication patterns, flag suspicious attachments, and filter out likely scams before they reach you. However, no filter is perfect — and attackers adapt quickly. That’s why human awareness is still your best defence. In fact, companies that combine advanced security software with regular, realistic phishing simulations report far lower success rates for scammers. The takeaway? Technology plus training beats either one alone. Why awareness training needs to evolve If your workplace still teaches phishing by showing you a badly written “Nigerian prince” email, it’s time for an update. Modern awareness training should include: The aim isn’t to make you paranoid — it’s to help you spot something that “feels” wrong, even if it looks perfect. The bottom line Phishing has always been about exploiting human trust. The difference now is that criminals have more convincing tools and more ways to reach you than ever before. Old advice like “look for bad grammar” or “don’t click links from strangers” still has some value, but it’s nowhere near enough for 2025. To stay safe, you need to think beyond the obvious — checking context, verifying requests, and keeping your guard up across every platform you use. Because in the world of Phishing 3.0, the fakes won’t always look fake. And that’s exactly how they win unless you’re ready for them.  

7 Everyday Habits That Make You a Target for Hackers (And How to Break Them)   Hackers don’t always rely on high-tech tricks — sometimes, it’s our own daily routines that give them an open door. From weak passwords to oversharing online, these small habits can create big security risks. Here’s how to spot them, break them, and keep your data safe. When we think about hackers, we picture hoodie-wearing cybercriminals hammering away at code, breaking through firewalls with Hollywood-style hacking skills. The reality? Many don’t need to work that hard. Often, we make their lives easier by handing them the keys ourselves — through simple, everyday habits we barely notice. These aren’t just “rookie mistakes” either. Even tech-savvy people fall into these traps because they’re convenient, quick, or simply part of daily life. Here are seven of the most common habits that open you up to attacks — and, more importantly, how to break them without making your life harder. 1. Reusing passwords across accounts It’s the digital equivalent of using one key for your house, car, and office — and then losing it. If you reuse the same password for multiple accounts, all it takes is one breach for hackers to get into everything. They don’t even need to guess — they just take leaked passwords from one site and try them elsewhere, a tactic called “credential stuffing.” How to break it:Use unique passwords for every account. A password manager can store them securely so you don’t have to memorise them. Yes, it’s an extra step, but it’s a lot less painful than cleaning up after a stolen identity. 2. Clicking links without checking Hackers love curiosity — and they know we can’t resist clicking something that looks urgent or exciting. Whether it’s a “missed delivery” email or a social media message that looks like it’s from a friend, malicious links are one of the oldest tricks in the book. They can lead you to fake login pages, malware downloads, or worse. How to break it:Hover over links before clicking to see where they really lead. If you’re unsure, go directly to the source — open the company’s website manually or contact the sender through a separate channel. 3. Oversharing on social media Your holiday photos aren’t just for friends — they can also be for burglars and cybercriminals. Details like your birthday, workplace, children’s names, and travel plans might seem harmless, but hackers can use them to guess passwords, craft convincing phishing attacks, or even time physical break-ins. How to break it:Review your privacy settings, and think twice before posting personal details. Ask yourself: would I share this with a stranger in the street? If not, don’t share it online. 4. Ignoring software updates Those “Update now” notifications aren’t just about new emojis — they often fix serious security flaws. Hackers are quick to exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, and once they find a weak spot, they can use it to access your system or data. How to break it:Enable automatic updates wherever possible. If you have to update manually, set a weekly reminder. It’s a small habit that can block huge risks. 5. Using public Wi-Fi without protection Free Wi-Fi feels convenient — until you realise it might also be free for hackers. On unsecured networks, attackers can intercept the data you send, from emails to login details. Even “secure” public Wi-Fi can be risky if you don’t know who’s running it. How to break it:Avoid logging into sensitive accounts when on public Wi-Fi. If you must, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your traffic and keep prying eyes away. 6. Falling for urgency tactics “Your account will be closed in 24 hours” — it’s a classic line for a reason. Hackers rely on urgency to short-circuit your decision-making. If you’re panicking, you’re less likely to double-check the legitimacy of a request. How to break it:Pause before acting. Take a breath, verify the request through official channels, and remember — genuine companies rarely demand immediate action without prior warning. 7. Neglecting account security settings If you’ve never touched your account’s security settings, you might be missing some powerful protections. Many online services now offer multi-factor authentication (MFA), login alerts, and other tools to keep accounts safe. Not using them is like locking your door but leaving the window wide open. How to break it:Turn on MFA wherever it’s available. Check for security features in your account settings and make a habit of reviewing them every few months. Changing habits without losing your mind Breaking these habits doesn’t mean becoming paranoid or making your life complicated. It’s about small, consistent changes that make you harder to target. Think of it like locking your doors at night — you’re not expecting a break-in, but it’s an easy habit that keeps you safe. Cybersecurity works the same way. A few minutes spent setting up better passwords, enabling updates, or tightening privacy settings can save you days, weeks, or even months of trouble down the line. The take away Hackers don’t always need to be geniuses — sometimes, they just need you to keep making the same mistakes. By recognising these seven habits and taking simple steps to break them, you close off the easy routes into your life. Because in the end, the best defence isn’t about having the strongest tech — it’s about making yourself a difficult target. And that starts with the choices you make every day.  

From Emails to Doorsteps: How Social Engineering Has Gone Physical in 2025   Scams are no longer just a problem for your inbox. In 2025, social engineering has taken a bold step into the real world, blending online tactics with face-to-face deception. From fake couriers to bogus inspectors, here’s how criminals are bringing the con right to your doorstep — and how you can stay one step ahead. If you’ve ever deleted a dodgy email from a “prince” offering you millions, you might think you’ve seen it all when it comes to scams. Unfortunately, 2025 has proved that social engineering — the art of manipulating people into giving away information or access — isn’t staying confined to our inboxes. It’s stepping out into the real world. Literally. Over the past year, there’s been a noticeable shift. While digital scams are still going strong, a growing number of cybercriminals are turning to physical tactics. They’re blending online research with real-world approaches to trick their targets face-to-face. It’s social engineering with a handshake, a clipboard, or a high-vis vest. And it’s catching people off guard. Why criminals are stepping offline The internet has been a goldmine for scammers for years. But it’s also become a little tougher for them. Spam filters have grown smarter. People are more aware of phishing emails and too-good-to-be-true texts. Companies run security training that actually works (well… most of the time). So criminals adapt. By showing up in person, they bypass some of the digital safeguards we’ve come to rely on. We don’t have an anti-virus for our front door. If someone’s standing in front of us, wearing a branded jacket and speaking confidently, we’re far more likely to trust them than we are a strange-looking email. And trust is the currency social engineers trade in. The new face of social engineering In 2025, “physical” social engineering takes many forms. Here are just a few that have made the headlines — and a few that have been quietly making their way through neighbourhoods and office blocks: The technology behind the con Physical scams aren’t just old-school cons dusted off for a new decade. Criminals are mixing face-to-face tactics with cutting-edge tech. Before showing up, they might have already: This mix of digital prep work and physical presence makes them feel more legitimate — and more dangerous. Why we fall for it The psychology of social engineering hasn’t changed. Whether it’s a phishing email or a man at your door, the principles are the same: When these triggers are hit in person, they can be even more persuasive because they tap into our natural social instincts. Spotting the signs before it’s too late The good news? Just like with online scams, there are ways to protect yourself. It comes down to building habits that keep you alert, without becoming paranoid. Here are a few that work in the real world: Training for the real world Many companies now run phishing simulations, sending fake scam emails to see who clicks. That’s a great start, but in 2025, it’s not enough. Physical social engineering needs to be part of training too. Scenario-based drills — where someone plays the role of an infiltrator — can be eye-opening. They make people realise how easily they can be persuaded in person, and give them the confidence to challenge suspicious situations without fear of “being rude”. Even at home, families can practise what they’d do if a stranger turned up claiming to be from the council, the bank, or the broadband provider. It’s not about living in fear — it’s about being ready. The bottom line Social engineering has always been about exploiting human nature. In 2025, the line between cybercrime and street crime is blurring. The same criminals who once hid behind screens are now just as willing to knock on your door — armed with a smile, a story, and a strategy. Staying safe means widening our awareness. It’s not just about spotting a dodgy email anymore; it’s about recognising the patterns of manipulation, whether they arrive in your inbox or on your doorstep. Because in the end, scams evolve — but so can we.  

The Rise of AI-Powered Scams — How to Spot a Fake Before It Spots You   Scammers are no longer sending clumsy, typo-filled emails — they’re using artificial intelligence to create flawless messages, fake voices, and even convincing videos. In this new era of crime, spotting a scam isn’t about looking for obvious mistakes, but noticing the subtle signs that something isn’t right. Not too long ago, spotting a scam email was easy. The spelling was dreadful, the grammar clunky, and the promises so outrageous you couldn’t help but laugh. But things have changed. With artificial intelligence now in the mix, scams have become slicker, sharper, and much harder to catch. Today’s cybercriminals can use AI to write flawless messages, mimic voices, and even create convincing videos. They don’t just trick your eyes — they play with your trust. And that’s where it gets dangerous. Why AI makes scams more convincing AI tools can churn out text that sounds natural and perfectly tailored to whoever is reading it. That means a scammer can send a message that feels like it’s come from your boss, your bank, or even a close friend — complete with the right tone, style, and personal details. Add deepfake technology into the mix, and suddenly, seeing isn’t believing. The problem is, our brains are wired to trust things that feel familiar. If a message looks right, we often don’t stop to think twice. Criminals know this — and AI gives them the means to exploit it faster than ever. Subtle signs something’s off While AI scams are getting better, they’re not perfect. You can still catch them if you know what to look for: How to stay ahead The best defence is to slow down. If something feels off, take a moment before clicking a link or replying. Verify requests through another channel — ring the person, visit the official website, or check with your IT team if you’re at work. And here’s the thing: spotting scams is a skill. The more you practise, the better you get at picking out the subtle tells. Share what you learn with friends and colleagues — awareness spreads faster than fear. Final thought AI isn’t going away, and neither are scams. But remember — technology works both ways. The same tools that criminals use can be used to protect yourself, too. Stay curious, stay cautious, and don’t let a fake find you before you find it.