Booking.com’s security chief, Marnie Wilking, warns of a dramatic surge in phishing scams. According to AFP, reports show a global increase of 500% to 900% across various industries in the past year and a half.
This spike is largely attributed to the advent of generative AI technologies, which have enhanced the sophistication of these attacks. Historically, phishing scams attempt to deceive victims into revealing sensitive information like login credentials or financial details.
Travel websites, in particular, offer lucrative opportunities for scammers due to the wealth of personal and financial information travelers share. The launch of ChatGPT marked a turning point, with scammers using these tools to craft persuasive phishing emails. According to Wilking, these AI-generated emails are grammatically correct and capable of operating in multiple languages, making them more persuasive and harder to detect.
To combat the rise of AI-powered phishing attacks, Wilking recommends travelers and accommodation providers alike activate two-factor authentication (2FA) on their accounts. This extra layer of security requires users to verify their identity with a second step, like a unique code sent to their phone or generated by an authentication app.
Two-factor authentication reduces the risk of phishing and makes it harder for hackers to break into your accounts, even if they steal your password. It only takes a few extra minutes to set up, and it’s a small price to pay for ironclad protection.
Here’s how to stay extra vigilant this summer
When you encounter a suspicious email or attachment, especially regarding travel bookings, do not click on links or download anything. Instead, contact the property or Booking.com’s customer support directly for verification.
Scammers often create fake listings with incredibly low prices in desirable locations. Booking.com, along with other companies, uses AI to identify and remove these listings before they can trick unsuspecting travelers.
Here’s some good news. Booking.com isn’t fighting this battle alone. Many major companies are leveraging AI to combat scams. These AI models act as digital security guards, scanning for and blocking fake listings on their platforms.
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