When we think about "cybersecurity," we often picture complex software, firewalls, or a dedicated IT department working in the background. It’s easy to feel like it’s someone else’s job, or that as long as we have antivirus software, we’re safe. But in today’s world, technology has become so smart that criminals are often attacking something much simpler and more powerful than your computer: your trust.

They’re no longer just hacking software; they’re hacking our natural human instincts—like the urge to help a colleague in a bind, the respect we have for authority, or the love we have for our family. You don’t need to be a technology expert to be secure. In fact, your own awareness and daily habits are your strongest, most essential defense.

The New Scams: When Familiarity Fails You

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made deception almost perfect. Forget those old scam emails filled with typos and strange formatting. Today’s threats are far more personal and convincing.

Imagine getting a call from your boss, your top client, or a family member. Their voice is perfect. They sound stressed, and they have an urgent, critical request: "I'm in a meeting and can't access my account. Can you please wire this payment right away? I'm counting on you." It’s a trick. A criminal only needed a few seconds of a real recording (from a public video, a podcast, or even a social media post) to create a "voice clone." Because the voice sounds right and the request feels urgent, our instinct is to act fast. That split-second decision to "help" is exactly what they are counting on.

The same goes for email. AI can now write perfect, convincing messages that:

• Mimic the exact writing style of your manager or colleague.

• Mention real, internal projects to sound legitimate.

• Use the exact sign-off or greeting you always see.

Sometimes, they even pair this perfect text with a short, AI-generated video that looks and sounds real. A quick, convincing clip is all it takes to make you drop your guard.

You Are the "Human Firewall"

Technology can only catch so much. Your spam filter might miss a perfectly written email, and no software can stop a phone call that sounds real. This is where you come in. The criminals are betting on you being too busy, too distracted, or too swamped with tasks to stop and ask one simple question.

Your greatest power is your knowledge of your own daily routine. You don't need to understand how AI works; you just need to notice when something feels slightly "off."

• "Would my boss really ask me for this over a text message?"

• "Is it normal for my client to request a wire transfer to a brand-new account with this much urgency?"

• "Does this email address look exactly right, or is one letter different?"

Taking an extra minute to double-check isn't being difficult or slow; it's being disciplined and smart. Trusting that "gut feeling" is your job, and it’s the one thing no technology can replicate.

Three Simple Habits to Protect Your Trust

You don't need fancy software to stay safe. You just need reliable habits. Here are three simple rules to use for any urgent or unusual request involving money, passwords, or sensitive information.

1. Two People for Money (Dual Authorization)

For any significant payment or financial change, never let one person approve it alone. This is a crucial habit, especially if you're a solopreneur or run a small team. If a scammer manages to trick one person, the second person (who must approve the action) acts as the immediate, built-in safety net.

2. Switch the Phone Line (Verify on a Different Channel)

This is the most powerful habit you can build. If a request comes in one way, always confirm it using a different way.

• Got a suspicious email? Don't reply. Pick up the phone and call the person (using a number from your contacts, not one in the email).

• Got a suspicious, urgent call? Hang up. Send a quick text or a chat message to that person to confirm if they just called you.

• Got an urgent text? Send a new email or call them to verify.

This simple switch stops scammers in their tracks.

3. Use a Secret Code Word (The “Safe Word”)

This works wonderfully for your internal team, your family, or key clients. Decide on a simple, secret, shared code word—something an outsider couldn't guess, like an old pet's name or an inside joke. If you get an urgent request by phone or email, you must ask for this code word before doing anything. AI can clone a voice, but it can’t know your secret.

Until the technology gets better, your strongest security systems will always be your own intuition and your commitment to verification.