Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Europol has warned that cybercriminals are getting smarter by using AI tools to target victims, targeting teenagers as well as small companies. In its report released on Monday (July 22), the European policing agency warned that the number of fraud cases caused by cybercrime continues to increase. Europol stressed the “right knowledge, tools and legislation” are needed to tackle the various threats. Europol noted that cybercriminals target small and medium-sized companies, and also teenagers, and that their methods are becoming more sophisticated, using AI to carry out cyber attacks, and online and payment fraud schemes. According to Europol, cybercriminals now use a lot of deep fakes or real-looking fakes of image and sound. Voices are copied to make "shock calls" to relatives or friends to blackmail money or bank data, the study shows. AI is also used to distort videos. To effectively tackle the biggest threats, Europol said investigative agencies need the right knowledge, tools and legislation. “As criminals adapt, law enforcement agencies and policymakers must also innovate to stay ahead and exploit new and developing technologies,” it added. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page