Artificial Intelligence is reshaping business across the board. But while many of our local firms in St. Pete, Sarasota, and Bradenton are eager to embrace the benefits, AI has also opened the door to a new kind of cyber risk.
Here are three AI-driven threats we think every professional firm in the Tampa Bay area should keep on their radar:
Deepfake Video Calls: Trust, But Verify
Today’s deepfakes aren’t just internet memes—they’re realistic enough to fool even savvy professionals. In a recent incident, attackers used AI to impersonate company leadership on a Zoom call, tricking an employee into installing a malicious plugin.
Red flags to watch for:
- Delays in facial movement
- Unnatural lighting or audio glitches
- Urgent instructions that break normal protocol
Don’t let AI fool your team. Train employees to pause and verify requests—especially those involving software downloads or sensitive info.
Smarter Phishing Emails: Not Your Average Scam
Phishing has always been a problem, but AI makes it worse. Now, hackers can craft emails with perfect grammar, translate them into any language, and mimic professional tone.
What helps:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Cyber awareness training that teaches what else to look for (urgency, tone, timing)
- A company culture where it’s okay to ask, “Does this seem off?”
Fake AI Tools: When Helpful Becomes Harmful
Some of the "AI apps" your employees see on TikTok or Google aren’t what they seem. Attackers are using fake AI tools to lure users into downloading malware.
How to avoid it:
- Have your MSP vet new tools before anyone installs them
- Block downloads from unknown websites
- Reinforce regular security training with seasonal examples (like Black Friday scams)
Protect Your Firm from AI-Driven Attacks
You don’t need to fear AI—you just need to prepare for it. Tampa Bay firms that stay aware and proactive are already seeing the benefits without the blowback.
Let Reef Cyber Security help you build smart, scalable defenses. From policy development to phishing tests, we help local firms adopt new tech with confidence.
📞 Call (727) 620-5525 or book a free discovery call today.
