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Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we all do business — from automating daily tasks to boosting productivity. But as with any new technology, it’s not just honest companies putting AI to work. Cybercriminals are getting smarter too, using AI to scam, impersonate, and mislead unsuspecting users.
If you’re running a small business in the Tampa Bay area, this can sound overwhelming — but don’t panic. Most “AI horror stories” in the headlines are exaggerated. Still, there are a few real monsters worth watching out for.
Let’s shine a light on the spooky side of AI and what your team can do to stay safe.
🧟 1. Deepfake “Doppelgängers” in Video Chats
Deepfakes — AI-generated fake videos — are becoming incredibly convincing. Imagine you’re in a Zoom meeting with someone who looks and sounds exactly like your CEO… except it’s not.
It’s already happened: cybercriminals have used deepfakes to impersonate company leaders and trick employees into downloading malicious files.
How Tampa Bay businesses can stay alert:
- Verify requests for money transfers or downloads outside of chat (use a phone call or internal Slack message).
- Watch for odd visual glitches, weird lighting, or voices that feel slightly “off.”
- Use waiting rooms or password-protected meetings in Zoom and Teams to limit who gets in.
🎯 Local tie-in: Businesses around St. Pete and Clearwater increasingly rely on video calls to connect remote staff — which means verifying who’s really on the other end is more important than ever.
🕷️ 2. AI-Powered Phishing E-Mails
Phishing e-mails have been around forever, but now attackers are using AI to write them — and they’re frighteningly convincing. No more bad grammar or clumsy phrasing. These messages can sound exactly like your boss, your bank, or your IT provider.
How to defend your Tampa Bay business:
- Never click links in unsolicited messages — even if they look real.
- Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) on everything. It’s the simplest way to block stolen passwords.
- Run security awareness training for your team. Teach staff to spot urgency-based or emotional messages — classic AI phishing tactics.
🎯 Local context: We’ve seen several Tampa Bay businesses targeted by “invoice due” scams during tax season — all generated by AI bots. Training your staff to slow down before they click can stop these cold.
💀 3. Fake “AI Tools” Carrying Real Malware
Attackers love to capitalize on trends — and right now, that trend is AI. Fake “AI video generator” or “AI chatbot” sites are popping up everywhere, promising free access to premium tools. In reality, many are just fronts for malware.
What to watch for:
- Sites asking you to install random browser extensions or “unlock” downloads.
- Software offered through TikTok or YouTube links (big red flag).
- Anything claiming to offer “free cracked” access to paid AI tools.
Before you install any new software, check with your MSP. We can verify whether it’s legitimate or a cleverly disguised threat.
🎯 Tampa Bay connection: We’ve seen local businesses in Pinellas County accidentally install fake AI apps that led to ransomware infections. Don’t let curiosity cost you your data.
👻 Keep the AI Ghosts Out of Your Business
AI threats are real — but they don’t have to keep you up at night. From deepfakes to phishing to malicious “AI tools,” most attacks can be avoided with a little awareness and proactive defense.
At the end of the day, it’s not about fearing AI — it’s about using it smarter and safer than the bad guys.
Ready to chase the AI ghosts out of your business?
📞 Schedule a free Tampa Bay discovery call today, and let’s talk about how to protect your team from the spooky side of AI — before it becomes a real problem.
