The Rules of Hacking Have Changed. AI Just Gave Scammers a New Superpower

AI can write emails, create pictures, and even help you with your business. But just like a hammer can be used to build a house or break a window, some people are using AI tools for harm. If you're a small business owner, you need to know how it's being used as scams.

A New Kind of Scam Has Been Created

Recently, cybersecurity experts at Black Hat shared some scary news. They found that AI programs can be tricked into creating computer viruses, also known as malware. Think of malware as a digital gremlin that can sneak into your computer and steal your passwords, bank information, or even lock up all your files until you pay a ransom to release them.

What's concerning is that the people creating these viruses don't need to be computer whizzes anymore. In one case, a researcher who didn't know how to write computer code was able to get an AI program to build a password-stealing virus for him. He did it by telling the AI a story and giving it a special role to play.

How This Could Affect Your Business

You might be thinking, "I'm a small business, why would anyone target me?" But small businesses are often the perfect targets for these kinds of scams. You have valuable customer information, and most likely won't have a big security team like a large corporation.

Here are a few ways these new AI-powered scams could hurt your business:

• Fake Emails: Scammers can use AI to write very believable emails that look like they're from your bank, a supplier, or even a customer. If you or an employee click on a bad link in one of these emails, it could let a virus into your computer system.

• Fake Websites: AI tools can also create fake websites that look just like the real thing. You might think you're logging into your online banking, but you're actually giving your password to a scammer.

• Viruses That Steal Information: The viruses these AI programs can create are designed to be sneaky. They can hide on your computer and quietly steal your business's financial information, your customers' credit card numbers, or other sensitive data.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

There are simple, practical steps you can take to protect your business:

• Be Suspicious of Emails: If you get an email that seems urgent or asks you to click on a link or download something, pause before you act. If it's from someone you know, you can call them to confirm they sent it. Or, go directly to the website without clicking the link in the email.

• Use Strong Passwords: A good password is long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Don't use the same password for everything.

• Keep Your Software Updated: When your computer or phone tells you it's time for an update, do it! These updates often include important security fixes that can protect you from the latest viruses.

• Back Up Your Files: Make sure you have copies of your important business files saved in a separate, secure place. That way, if a virus does lock up your files, you won't have to pay a ransom to get them back.

The world of technology is always changing, and it can be hard to keep up. But by being aware of the risks and taking a few simple precautions, you can help keep your business, your employees, and your customers safe from these new "smart" scams.

(Gemini used for editing, August 25,2025)