AI is transforming the way we do business—and while it offers exciting opportunities, it also creates new risks. For business owners in Knoxville, the rise of AI-powered attacks means you can’t rely on outdated defenses or “hope for the best” when it comes to cybersecurity.
The truth is, attackers now have access to the same AI tools you do. And they’re using them to make scams harder to detect, breaches easier to pull off, and malware more convincing than ever. Here are three AI-driven threats every Tennessee business owner should be aware of—and how to protect your company before it’s too late.
- Deepfakes in Video Calls
Fake video and audio, powered by AI, are being used in business scams. Imagine joining a Zoom meeting and “seeing” your CFO telling you to download a file. That’s exactly how North Korean hackers tricked employees into giving access to their systems.
What to do: Train your staff to spot inconsistencies, verify unusual requests, and confirm instructions through another channel before acting.
- Smarter Phishing Emails
Gone are the days when phishing emails were full of typos. AI now writes flawless, professional messages—and even translates them into multiple languages—making them far harder to spot.
What to do: Protect your business with multifactor authentication (MFA) and regular security awareness training. If your team can recognize urgency tactics and suspicious links, you’ll stop threats before they spread.
- Fake AI Tools & Malware
Attackers love to exploit trends. Fake “AI video generators” or “cracked software” downloads look legitimate, but underneath they’re filled with malware designed to steal data.
What to do: Never download tools from unverified sources. Have your IT partner vet new AI solutions before anyone installs them.
Final Thoughts
AI isn’t going away—and neither are cybercriminals. But with the right strategy, you don’t have to stay up at night worrying. A Tennessee IT security evaluation or business network assessment helps you uncover risks and build defenses strong enough to keep your team safe.
👉 Ready to stop AI threats before they hit your business? Schedule your network security audit in Knoxville today.
