Spam calls are one of the most annoying experiences for many smartphone users. When answering a call from an unknown number, it’s difficult to know if it’s a call we’re expecting or spam. This, coupled with the fact that cybersecurity is a key consideration in the digital age we live in, makes it essential to know how to avoid these vulnerable situations. Some smartphones already include features that can help avoid spam calls, which in some cases may be fraudulent. For example, on iOS, you can have Siri answer calls for you.
‘Spam calls’ are usually from unidentified or unknown numbers and are generally made by cybercriminals
Fraud and crime tend to adapt to new eras. This is the case with the calls that arrive on people’s phones with the aim of deceiving the person on the other end. “Spam calls” are usually from unidentified or unknown numbers and are generally made by cybercriminals impersonating representatives of banks or telephone companies. With iOS, for example, you can avoid these types of calls by customizing a phone feature. In ‘Settings’, go to ‘Apps’, then to ‘Phone’, then to ‘Action with Unknown Numbers’, and activate the ‘Ask Reason’ option. This way, when you receive a call from an unknown number, your iPhone will ask the caller to explain the reason for the call before it even rings.
If they are interested in contacting the person, they leave a message
It’s important to be aware of these types of security filters that we can implement in our daily lives, since fraudulent attacks are a reality. The goal is to persuade the recipient to provide personal or financial information, such as credit card numbers or passwords. That’s why experts emphasize the importance of knowing how to identify these scams and how to handle them without making costly mistakes. So, with the functionality available on smartphones, if a call comes in and turns out to be spam, they either don’t leave a message or the message is so discouraging that they don’t want to call back. And if they are interested in contacting the person, they leave a message.
Artificial intelligence is used in many sectors and areas of people’s daily lives
It’s important to remember that cyberattacks aren’t just aimed at individuals; they also target businesses and large government entities. Spear phishing attacks, which target an organization or company to steal confidential information, for example, could be easier to carry out on a larger scale with the help of AI. Artificial intelligence is used in many sectors and areas of people’s daily lives, even if we don’t realize it. But experts are already warning about the misuse of this technology and the potential consequences.
The dangers are real and it is important to take them into account
Regarding AI, experts say we are already seeing how, for example, highly realistic but fake videos can be created that could be used to discredit political figures. In 2014, astrophysicist Stephen Hawking warned about the risks that artificial intelligence could pose to humanity if it surpasses human intelligence. Entrepreneur Elon Musk and others have also echoed these warnings. Therefore, the dangers are real and it is important to take them into account.
A phone call can compromise our personal data, and AI can jeopardize a country’s security. The key is understanding the world we live in and recognizing that the technology we use daily can be incredibly helpful, but it also has its downsides, much like cassette tapes.