A Booking.com official has warned of a surge in AI-powered scams targeting the travel industry during the summer vacation season.
Booking.com Official: 500-900% Increase in Phishing Attacks
According to AFP, Booking.com chief information security officer Marnie Wilking noted that the past year and a half has seen an alarming rise in phishing attacks, with some reports indicating a 500 to 900% increase globally across various industries.
This spike is largely attributed to the advent of generative AI technologies, which have enhanced the sophistication of these attacks. Historically, phishing scams attempt to deceive victims into revealing sensitive information like login credentials or financial details.
Travel websites, in particular, offer lucrative opportunities for scammers due to the wealth of personal and financial information travelers share. The launch of ChatGPT marked a turning point, with scammers using these tools to craft persuasive phishing emails.
According to Wilking, these AI-generated emails are not only grammatically correct but also capable of operating in multiple languages, making them more persuasive and harder to detect.
Read also: Booking.com Scams: Users Targeted by Hackers Who Put Stolen Account Details for Sale on Dark Web
Booking.com Official Recommends 2FA
To combat this growing threat, Marnie Wilking advises both travelers and hosts to adopt two-factor authentication (2FA) for their online activities.
This additional security measure requires users to verify their identity through a secondary method, such as a one-time code sent to their mobile device or created by an authenticator app.
While setting up 2FA can be somewhat inconvenient, Wilking emphasized its effectiveness in preventing phishing and credential theft. In addition to using 2FA, Wilking urged caution when dealing with suspicious emails or attachments.
She recommended that if there is any doubt about the authenticity of a message, it is safer to contact the property or customer support directly rather than click on any links or attachments.
Booking.com and other major companies also leverage AI to bolster their defenses against these scams. AI models are being used to detect and block fake properties listed on their platforms.
These fake listings often appear to offer exceptional deals in desirable locations to lure unsuspecting travelers. By identifying and removing these fraudulent listings, companies aim to protect users from falling victim to scams.
Another emerging concern is the involvement of suspected state actors in these cyber activities. Wilking mentioned reports of state actors from countries like Russia and China engaging in online espionage or mischief.
According to Booking.com's internet safety boss, these actors may target specific hotel chains frequented by high-profile individuals, such as US senators, to gather intelligence or cause disruptions.
