YO Secure CEO Warns AI Enables Sophisticated Cyber Scams and Identity Theft
Oshar Cohen, CEO of Israeli cybersecurity firm YO Secure, warns in a recent interview about a new wave of advanced cyber scams fueled by artificial intelligence in 2026. He explains that traditional signs of phishing, such as spelling errors or suspicious links, have become obsolete as AI now produces highly accurate and convincing fraudulent content, including fake videos and messages. Cohen emphasizes that anyone can fall victim, even those not directly using AI tools.
One alarming scam involves "silent number porting," where scammers transfer victims' phone numbers between carriers with just a click, enabling them to access government, financial, and communication services easily. This leads to severe consequences like identity theft and vehicle theft through fraudulent ownership transfers. Cohen advises activating the "block ownership transfer by mail" option on the Israeli government portal to prevent such fraud.
Cohen also highlights the risks of sharing sensitive information with AI platforms like ChatGPT, cautioning users that these tools store data in the cloud, which could be accessed by authorities or leaked. He urges people not to upload bank or medical documents or ask questions that could harm their reputation if exposed.
Social engineering scams remain prevalent, including fake "blue checkmark" offers on social media and counterfeit messages from postal services demanding small payments to release packages. Cohen stresses the importance of skepticism, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, and recommends verifying suspicious links or messages with knowledgeable individuals.
To avoid falling victim, Cohen suggests a "five-second rule" to pause and think before clicking links or providing information, carefully checking URLs for subtle differences, and refusing to perform any requested actions that could grant scammers access. He concludes that constant vigilance and asking simple questions before acting are key to preventing most scams.
