THE DARK SIDE OF AI: A GROWING GLOBAL THREAT IN CYBERSECURITY

The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have revolutionized industries, enhanced productivity and enabling innovative solutions. However, these same technologies have been weaponized by cybercriminals to execute highly sophisticated scams. This paradigm shift in cybercrime introduces new threats such as voice cloning, AI-generated phishing, and deepfake scams, which exploit the power of AI to deceive and manipulate at an unprecedented scale. These attacks pose significant challenges to individuals, organizations, and governments, threatening financial stability, data integrity, and societal trust. Through an exploration of global trends and industry practices, this article delves into the mechanics of these scams, their social and economic impacts, and the role of AI in combating them. Key areas of focus include advanced detection methodologies, robust preventive strategies, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI governance. By analyzing real-world incidents and offering actionable guidance, this article equips cybersecurity professionals, policymakers, and organizations with the knowledge and tools to mitigate the risks of AI-powered scams. Balancing the benefits of AI innovation with proactive security measures, it provides a roadmap for fostering a safer and more resilient digital future.