Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we learn, work, and communicate \u2014 but it\u2019s also becoming a powerful tool in the wrong hands. From convincing phishing scams to manipulated images, AI misuse can have real consequences for students, staff, and the entire campus community.<\/p>\n
Attackers and bad actors are leveraging AI to:<\/p>\n
Generate convincing phishing emails or messages<\/strong> using natural language models to mimic real people.<\/p>\n Create fake images or videos (deepfakes)<\/strong> to impersonate others or spread misinformation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Automate scams at scale<\/strong> using bots to respond, target, and lure victims quickly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Harvest and manipulate personal data<\/strong>, especially from public social media profiles, to tailor attacks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Bypass security filters<\/strong> by subtly rewording malicious messages so they appear harmless to spam or malware detectors.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n AI-powered attacks can:<\/p>\n Steal login credentials or financial data<\/strong> through fake websites or malicious forms.<\/p>\n Damage reputations<\/strong> if manipulated content spreads online.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Expose personal information<\/strong>, especially if AI scrapes data from public sources.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Exploit trust<\/strong>, such as mimicking a professor\u2019s tone or using university branding to trick students.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Undermine academic integrity<\/strong>, with tools used to generate fake research or impersonate authorship.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Here\u2019s how to protect yourself and others:<\/p>\n AI is a powerful tool \u2014 but like any tool, it can be misused. Staying informed and cautious helps protect you and the campus community from becoming a victim of manipulation, fraud, or digital harm.<\/p>\n \u201cAI doesn\u2019t need to be evil to cause harm \u2014 it just needs to be used carelessly.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2014 Emily Harris JD, CISSP, CIPP\/US Fast Company | How AI is impacting trust among college students and teachers<\/a><\/p>\n CyberCrime Magazine | The clear and present danger of AI-powered attacks, and how to defeat them<\/a><\/p>\n\n
\nReal-World Impact on Victims<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nHow to Stay Safe in the Age of AI<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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If a message or request feels even slightly off, take a moment to confirm through a second channel (call, in person, etc.).<\/li>\n
This adds a strong layer of protection even if your password gets compromised.\n\n
Images, videos, and even voices can be faked with AI. Always check sources and look for signs of manipulation.<\/li>\n
The less personal data available, the less attackers can use against you.<\/li>\n
Educating yourself about how AI works \u2014 and how it can be abused \u2014 is a critical defense.<\/li>\n
When you use generative AI tools for study or work, follow academic integrity policies. Misuse can have disciplinary consequences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nBottom Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nChief Information Security Officer<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nWant to Know More?<\/h2>\n