In the digital age, the line between authentic and fake communication has become increasingly blurred, with the rise of generative AI posing new risks to cybersecurity. Recognizing and averting phishing attempts has become a crucial skill, but even the experienced can fall prey to cunningly crafted scams, as one individual discovered.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced the introduction of a new set of rules aimed at protecting consumers from scams that attempt to take control of their cell phone accounts. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel stated that these rules will ensure individuals maintain their freedom to choose their preferred device and provider while safeguarding them against fraudulent activities.
Virgin Media O2 introduces Daisy, an AI-driven virtual assistant, tackling phone fraud by engaging scammers in conversations for up to 40 minutes. Part of the “Swerve the Scammers” initiative, this tool combines AI with insights from YouTube scambaiter Jim Browning to protect potential victims effectively, ensuring scam prevention.
Microsoft’s latest Digital Defense Report reveals a staggering 600 million daily cyberattacks amid global geopolitical tensions. As discussed by OpenText Cybersecurity’s Matt Aldridge, the landscape poses a complex threat matrix involving cybercrime gangs and state-backed entities.
BT’s Enhanced Call Protect service has revolutionized phone scam prevention on their Digital Voice platform. Leveraging hi-tech software and artificial intelligence, BT has blocked 2.4 million scam calls since May 2024. Collaborating with Hiya, the service employs machine learning to enhance scam detection, ensuring customers remain secure from vishing threats.
Ericsson is advancing its Mobile Financial Services Platform by integrating INFORM’s RiskShield anti-money laundering (AML) and fraud management software. This collaboration enhances financial risk mitigation and fraud prevention, securing ecosystems for Ericsson’s customers, including operators, enterprises, and banks.
The FCC approved SpaceX to replace its aging Starlink satellites with advanced second-gen models. The number of Australians using FWA for home broadband nearly doubled. Hiya’s report found nearly 20 billion spam calls globally. The UK CMA has paused its app store investigations into Apple and Google.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed new rules for AI-generated robocalls and texts. Aiming for transparency, the FCC mandates prior consumer consent and clear AI-generated disclosure for each message. This initiative seeks to protect consumers from scams while exploring AI’s positive applications, such as aiding people with disabilities.
Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, introduces robust measures to combat scam calls from abroad. By mandating that phone companies block calls with fake UK landline numbers, Ofcom aims to curb ‘spoofing’ and protect consumers. With BT successfully blocking up to one million calls daily, the initiative promises enhanced public safety and fewer scam calls.
GoTo’s new AI-powered scam detection feature aims to protect users from rising remote support scams. Freedom Fibre secures funding for rural fibre rollout, Openreach extends network, but low uptake rates pose challenges.
Anritsu’s MasterClaw Service Assurance is now validated on Red Hat OpenShift, enhancing its cloud-native benefits. Aryaka expands its network with a new PoP in Madrid. DRFortress and Megaport have partnered to launch a new public cloud on-ramp solution.
