Bitdefender launches AI platform to tackle online scams

Bitdefender has introduced 'Scam Copilot', an AI-driven platform designed to combat online scams and fraud.

Reports indicate that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has recorded losses amounting to AUD $2.7 billion in scams for 2023, accentuating the need for effective cybersecurity measures. Scam Copilot seeks to address this issue by utilising AI and threat intelligence to contend with increasingly sophisticated scams facilitated by cybercriminals.

Scam Copilot integrates with Bitdefender's digital life protection consumer products to safeguard devices such as computers, tablets, and mobile phones. The platform targets scams and fraud across different communication channels and digital environments, enhancing protection against malware, credential theft, and data breaches.

A study from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance stated that global losses from scams exceeded one trillion USD in 2023. With 78% of nearly 50,000 individuals surveyed experiencing at least one scam in the preceding year, the findings underscore the urgent need for sophisticated defensive measures.

Survey data from Bitdefender's 2024 Consumer Cybersecurity Assessment Report highlights that text messaging scams are the most prevalent, affecting nearly half of 7,000 respondents. This underscores the need for solutions like Scam Copilot that address diverse electronic communication formats.

The emergence of Large Language Models (LLMs) in AI has equipped cybercriminals with tools to create highly persuasive phishing messages efficiently, complicating efforts for individuals to discern scam attempts independently.

Scam Copilot consolidates Bitdefender's scam detection and prevention technologies, offering real-time monitoring, detection, and alerting of scams during web browsing, emailing, and chatting. The platform leverages AI, continuously learning and adapting to new scam methodologies.

Scam Copilot's features include comprehensive fraud protection across web browsing, email services, chat applications, push notifications, and calendars. Additionally, its AI-powered chatbot provides users with practical guidance and verification of potential scams.

The platform also issues geo-specific scam wave alerts to inform users of regional scam campaigns, offering timely and detailed information that helps pre-empt potential threats.

Recognising that certain demographics are more vulnerable to scams, Scam Copilot includes tailored safeguards for seniors, children, and teenagers to adapt the platform's response to individual user behaviours.

A significant focus of Scam Copilot is educational, providing users with contextual advice aimed at increasing scam awareness, enabling them to navigate digital interactions with greater confidence.

Ciprian Istrate, Senior Vice President of Operations, Consumer Solutions Group at Bitdefender, commented, "The rapid growth and sophistication of online scams has made it incredibly challenging for consumers to safeguard their digital lives. While the term 'scam' may sound innocuous, the consequences are far from trivial, often leading to identity theft, financial and data loss. Scam Copilot is a true gamechanger; we have integrated our most advanced anti-scam technologies into our market leading consumer security solutions to ensure our customers remain protected as threats evolve."

Scam Copilot is currently available as part of Bitdefender's Ultimate Security packages and Premium Security offering, compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.