When Digital Deception Gets Smarter

Imagine receiving a call from your son, or daughter, asking for urgent financial help. The voice sounds exactly like theirs, the mannerisms are perfect, but something feels off. In today's world of artificial intelligence, this scenario isn't science fiction—it's a real threat that Bar-Ilan University researcher Dr. Gil Baram is working to prevent.

Dr. Baram, a senior lecturer at Bar-Ilan University and a non-resident research scholar at University of California, is leading an international effort with UC Berkeley and the global cybersecurity firm Fortinet, to identify and address the risks associated with AI-enabled cybercrime. This initiative comes at a time when technology is making it easier for cybercriminals to craft convincing scams, challenging even the most cautious individuals.

“While nation-state cyberattacks often capture public attention, there is another pressing issue: affordable and impactful cybercrime targeting ordinary people,” says Dr. Baram. These crimes include phishing, identity theft, and impersonation through fake calls or messages—all of which are becoming more sophisticated with AI tools.

The initiative seeks to address the expanding scope of these threats, focusing on both existing and emerging risks. For instance, AI can enhance traditional cybercrime methods such as phishing and ransomware, while also enabling new forms of exploitation like highly personalized impersonation scams. These evolving tactics can exploit trust and familiarity, making it harder to differentiate between legitimate and fraudulent communications.

The initiative brings together cybersecurity professionals, academic researchers, policymakers, and law enforcement representatives. By pooling expertise, the project aims to develop practical strategies for protecting everyday internet users from these threats. As part of the initiative, Dr. Baram’s team is conducting tabletop exercises to simulate AI-driven cybercrime scenarios. The first one took place in UC Berkeley in mid-December, and the other two will take place in Singapore and Israel later this year.

These exercises involve stakeholders from various sectors and are designed to test response strategies, identify vulnerabilities, and foster public-private collaboration. By simulating real-world scenarios, the team aims to develop robust protocols for mitigating the risks posed by AI-enabled cyber threats. These exercises focus on generating actionable solutions, such as improving public awareness, developing detection tools, and enhancing coordination between public and private sectors.

The initiative’s efforts come as more daily activities move online, increasing the importance of secure digital interactions. From financial transactions to maintaining personal relationships, the digital space is becoming an integral part of our lives—and thus, a target for bad actors.

The project will culminate in a public report in summer 2025, providing guidance for policymakers, businesses, and individuals. In the meantime, Dr. Baram and her team continue their work, striving to balance the benefits of AI with safeguards against its misuse.

Through this initiative, Bar-Ilan University and its collaborators are contributing to a broader understanding of AI-enabled cybercrime risks and exploring ways to mitigate their impact. While the challenges are significant, the work being done represents an important step toward building a safer digital future.