Deepfakes: A New Kind of Deception
Deepfakes are a technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake videos or audio recordings that look and sound real. Imagine seeing a video of a famous person saying something outrageous, but it's completely fake. This technology is not only used for entertainment but also for scams. In Hong Kong, deepfake scams are on the rise, with criminals creating realistic fake videos to trick people. For example, scammers have used deepfakes to impersonate company executives in video calls, convincing employees to transfer large sums of money. Detecting these fakes can be challenging, but new tools are being developed to help, like the Deepfake Inspector, which checks videos for signs of manipulation.
Digital Identity Theft: A Growing Concern
Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information to pretend to be you. With digital identities, this can happen online. For example, cookies that keep you logged into websites or special keys for apps can be stolen, letting criminals access your accounts. As more businesses use cloud services, the risk increases. Imagine someone stealing your online identity and making purchases or accessing your work files without you knowing. Companies are addressing this issue by creating tools like a secure browser, which helps separate work and personal information.
Large Language Models: AI's Double-Edged Sword
Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT can write text that sounds human, which can be both helpful and harmful. Hackers can use LLMs to create realistic phishing messages—those deceptive emails or texts that trick you into giving away personal information. These AI tools can also help find and exploit weaknesses in computer systems faster than ever before. However, AI can also help detect these scams by recognizing fake links and warning users.
Cryptocurrency Attacks: The New Age of Theft
Cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, are digital currencies that can be used online. They have introduced new opportunities for scams. For example, scammers might create fake websites that mimic real cryptocurrency services to steal your login details. With those, they can access your digital wallet and transfer your money without you being able to reverse it. In Hong Kong, the rise of decentralized finance—where transactions happen directly between users without intermediaries—has added to these risks. This financial freedom can lead to new types of fraud, such as exploiting code vulnerabilities or transaction delays.
Hong Kong's ambition to become a leader in Web3 technology has led to both innovation and challenges in regulating these new risks.
