5 Ways to Keep Your Devices Safe from AI-Powered Scams

Simon Wilson
Jan 1
4 min read

AI is transforming our lives in all kinds of brilliant ways making our homes smarter, our work faster, and our devices more intuitive. But with that progress comes new risks. Criminals are now using artificial intelligence to make scams more convincing, more personalised, and harder to detect than ever before.

Whether it’s a scam email that sounds eerily like your boss or a voice message that mimics a loved one, AI powered scams are getting smarter. But don’t panic there are practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your devices.

In this guide, we’ll explore five key ways to defend your tech (and your peace of mind) from AI driven threats in 2025 and beyond.

1. Be Wary of Hyper Realistic Phishing Scams

Phishing scams have been around for years, but now AI tools can write emails, texts, and messages that are more convincing than ever complete with correct grammar, a familiar tone, and even mimicked writing styles.

How to stay safe:

Think before you click: Always pause before clicking links or downloading attachments, even if the message looks legitimate.
Check the sender's details: Hover over email addresses to ensure they match the claimed sender. AI can forge content, but domain names are harder to fake.
Look for subtle signs: Slight spelling errors, odd language, or a sense of urgency can still be red flags.
Use email filters: Most email providers now include AI enhanced filters. Make sure they’re switched on and kept updated.

Pro tip: If you receive a suspicious message from someone you know, contact them directly through another channel (phone or in person) to verify it.

2. Use Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) on Everything

AI driven scams often rely on stolen credentials. A leaked email and password can be enough to break into your account unless you’ve enabled an extra layer of security.

What to do:

Enable MFA everywhere: That includes email, banking, social media, cloud storage, and any service you value.
Use an authenticator app: Apps like Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, or Authy are more secure than SMS codes, which can be intercepted.
Avoid reusing passwords: AI tools can test thousands of password combinations quickly. Unique passwords for each service make this much harder.

Why it matters: Even if scammers guess your password, MFA ensures they can’t get in without the second code rendering stolen credentials useless.

3. Protect Your Voice and Video Data

One of the most worrying trends is AI voice cloning. With just a short audio sample like a voicemail or a social media video criminals can generate fake voice messages that sound like you or someone you trust.

How to defend against this:

Limit what you share online: Avoid posting long voice clips or detailed personal videos on public platforms.
Be sceptical of surprise voice or video calls: If you receive a message that sounds like a family member in trouble, verify it with a follow up call or text. Don’t respond directly.
Use safe words with loved ones: Especially with elderly family members. A simple code word can help confirm someone’s identity in an emergency.
Keep software updated: Some apps and devices now include AI detection tools to identify fake audio or video. Keep an eye on updates.

Tip: AI scams often rely on creating urgency “I need help now,” “don’t tell anyone,” etc. Always pause and verify.

4. Secure Your Smart Devices

AI-powered malware can target more than just your computer. Your smart TV, speaker, doorbell camera, or even your kettle could be a potential entry point for attackers.

Key actions:

Change default passwords: Devices often ship with the same username and password for all users an easy target for hackers.
Update firmware regularly: Manufacturers patch vulnerabilities over time, but only if you install updates.
Use a separate guest network: Isolate smart devices from your main home Wi-Fi network. This keeps sensitive devices (like your laptop or phone) safer if one gadget is compromised.
Invest in a secure router: Look for one with built in threat detection, parental controls, and automatic firmware updates.

Bonus: Consider using network monitoring tools like Fing or Firewalla to keep an eye on unusual traffic.

5. Stay Informed and Keep Learning

AI threats evolve quickly. What’s safe today might be a risk tomorrow. The best protection? Staying up to date and building your digital common sense.

Ways to stay ahead:

Follow trusted security blogs and news sources: Try NCSC (UK’s National Cyber Security Centre), Krebs on Security, or The Tech Advisor (of course).
Attend webinars or free online courses: Platforms like FutureLearn, Coursera, and Cyber Aware UK offer practical advice.
Use AI to your advantage: Security software now includes AI to detect threats in real time so make sure you’re using modern antivirus and device protection tools.
Teach your family and colleagues: The more people understand the risks, the less likely someone in your circle will fall for a scam.

Remember: The weakest link is often human error. A quick conversation or shared article could stop a scam in its tracks.

Final Thoughts

AI-powered scams may be getting smarter but so can you. By taking a few practical steps today, you can protect your devices, data, and digital identity from even the most sophisticated attacks.

Here’s a quick recap of how to stay safe:

Stay alert to phishing messages don’t trust things that look legit without checking.
Use multi factor authentication everywhere possible.
Protect your voice and personal media online think before you share.
Secure your smart devices with updates, strong passwords, and smart networks.
Keep learning and stay informed about evolving threats.

Online safety is no longer just about antivirus software it's about awareness, habits, and using the right tools to stay one step ahead. The good news? You’re already on the right track just by reading this.

Until next time, stay smart, stay safe.

— Simon Wilson, Tech Tips & How-To Guides, The Tech Advisor