Last updated on October 15, 2026

As October is observed as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in many countries, it is a good time to pause and think about how we protect ourselves in the digital world. Staying safe online is increasingly important as more of our daily activities move into the digital world.

From communicating with loved ones and making payments to studying and working, much of our everyday life now happens online. But as our digital lives continue to grow, so do the ways cybercriminals try to take advantage of us.

Here are some of the trending cyber threats and scams we should be aware of.

    1. You May Not Even Have to Click

      We are often reminded not to click on unknown links. But some attacks may not require a click at all.

      Zero-click attacks can exploit vulnerabilities in applications or devices without the user knowingly interacting with a suspicious message. Such attacks have recently been linked to WhatsApp account takeovers, after which criminals may use the compromised accounts to contact friends, family or groups and request money.

    2. Can You Trust What You See?

      Artificial intelligence can now create realistic videos that make it appear as though a real person is saying something they never said.

      Fake videos of well-known people can be used to promote fraudulent investment opportunities, job offers or other scams. A familiar face in a video does not always mean the message is genuine.

    3. “I Know That Voice”

      AI can also imitate a person’s voice.

      A scammer may use a cloned voice to pretend to be (impersonate) a family member, friend, colleague or another trusted person and make an urgent request for money or information.

      If a familiar voice makes an unusual request, take a moment to verify it through another communication method before responding.

    4. When AI Helps the Scammer

      AI is also making it easier for criminals to create personalized and convincing scams on a larger scale. Messages can be tailored to individuals, making them appear more genuine and increasing the chances that someone will respond.

      This means we may see fewer obvious “mass scams” and more messages designed specifically for us.

    5. Fake Help Can Be Dangerous Too

      Some scams use fake error messages or technical-support instructions to convince people that they need to fix a problem.

      A website may tell you to follow certain steps, install something or copy and paste a command. What appears to be help may actually give criminals access to your device or account.

    6. Even AI Tools Can Be Used Against Us

      As AI tools become more popular, criminals are also creating malicious AI-related applications, browser extensions and tools. Some may request unnecessary access to personal information, files or online accounts.

      Cybersecurity researchers have also identified malware that uses generative AI as part of its operation. This highlights how criminals may use AI not only to create scams but also as part of malicious software. Therefore, it is important to download AI tools only from trusted sources and check the permissions they request before installing them.

    7. A Job Offer Can Become a Cyber Threat

      Not every cyber threat starts with a suspicious message or website.

      People looking for employment online can also be targeted through fake job offers promising high salaries or overseas opportunities. Some victims have been lured by false job advertisements, trafficked and forced to participate in cyber-scam operations.

      Therefore, online job offers should be checked carefully (verified) before accepting them or sharing personal documents.

How Can We Stay Safe?

As cyber threats change, a few simple habits can help us stay safer:

  • Pause before you act, especially when a message creates urgency or fear.
  • Verify unusual requests through an independent and trusted communication channel.
  • Do not trust a video or voice simply because it looks or sounds real.
  • Keep your phone, operating system and applications updated.
  • Use two-step verification on accounts whenever possible.
  • Download apps and AI tools only from trusted sources and check the permissions they request.
  • Be careful with online job offers, especially those promising unusually high earnings.
  • When in doubt, ask someone you trust before sending money, sharing information or following instructions.

Stay Alert. Stay Safe.

Technology continues to change, and so do the ways in which it can be misused. We may not always be able to recognize a scam immediately, but we can develop the habit of stopping and checking before we act.

Stop. Think. Check. Verify.

Sometimes, the safest response to a message, video, voice or offer is simply to pause and ask:
“How do I know this is real?”

References:
https://www.dailymirror.lk/
https://media.gov.lk/
https://www.interpol.int/
https://www.reuters.com/