The theft of their voice has led the author to an eye-opening experience surrounding the potential of AI to cause social disruption. Having tested AI-driven voice cloning technology for himself, the writer delved into the dangerous implications that such technology holds for the security of individuals and businesses.
In an attempt to gain insight into the capabilities of AI, the author decided to ethically attack a business by cloning the voice of a colleague, Harry, and using it to steal from his company. With Harry’s permission, the author was able to generate a clone of his voice using readily available software. After staging a SIM swap attack to gain access to Harry’s WhatsApp account, the author sent a voice message from the account to the financial director of the company, requesting a payment. Shockingly, the financial director fell for the deception and wired £250 to the author’s personal account within 16 minutes.
The ease with which the author was able to manipulate the financial director demonstrates the potential of AI-driven voice cloning to facilitate sophisticated attacks with damaging consequences. As a result of the experiment, the company has since implemented additional safeguards to protect its finances.
Furthermore, the author highlights the vulnerability of individuals to scams using AI technology. They describe a situation where they were targeted with an attack involving a WhatsApp message sent by someone purporting to be an executive at an IT company. Through the combination of a WhatsApp Business account and AI voice cloning, cybercriminals were able to create a convincing impersonation.
In light of these experiences, the author offers a series of precautionary measures for business owners and individuals to protect themselves from attacks leveraging voice cloning and other methods. These include vigilant verification of payment requests, staying updated on the latest technology trends, conducting staff awareness training, and using multi-layered security software.
In addition, the author provides tips to safeguard against SIM swap attacks and other attempts to obtain personal data or money. These tips encompass limiting the sharing of personal information online, being cautious of phishing attacks, and using two-factor authentication.
In conclusion, the author’s firsthand experiences with AI-driven voice cloning technology emphasize the need for increased vigilance and protective measures in the face of advancing technology. As AI continues to evolve and become more accessible, individuals and businesses must prioritize cybersecurity to mitigate the risks posed by sophisticated attacks.