RE: LeoThread 2024-11-28 00:58

1/ Fraud calls are getting smarter, but so are the tools to fight them. O2 just launched Call Defence, an AI-powered feature to spot and flag scam calls in real-time. Let’s break down how it works and why this matters.

2/ This isn’t just another spam filter. Call Defence uses adaptive AI, a tech that assesses how a phone number behaves in real-time. It’s constantly learning and improving to stay ahead of scammers.

3/ Here’s the genius: if the system thinks a number is shady, your phone screen flashes "Suspected Scam" before you even answer. That’s a warning sign right when you need it.

4/ AI in scam detection isn’t new, but what sets Call Defence apart is its real-time analysis. It watches for patterns of fraud while you're being called. Think of it as having an invisible, vigilant bodyguard for your phone.

5/ O2 collaborated with Hiya, a leading voice security firm, to create this. Hiya specializes in detecting fraudulent activity across global networks, so they know their stuff when it comes to call security.

6/ Why now? The rise of AI in scams. Some fraudsters now use AI to clone voices of people you know. Imagine answering a call, hearing a "friend" asking for help, but it’s not them. Creepy, right?

7/ According to O2, this tool benchmarks calling behaviors against risk metrics. It’s like checking if a stranger's story holds up before you let them into your home.

8/ Here’s who gets Call Defence first:

Pay Monthly & SIM Only users

O2 Business customers
If you're on Pay As You Go, O2 will notify you when it’s your turn.

9/ No setup needed! If you’re eligible, Call Defence turns on automatically. iPhone users, though, must be running iOS 18. Keep your OS updated to stay safe.

10/ Scam calls are more than an annoyance, they’re big business for fraudsters. UK police reported losses of £1.2 billion from phone fraud in 2023 alone. This makes tools like Call Defence critical.

11/ But O2 isn’t the only one in this game. In the US, carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon also use AI-based scam filters. However, O2’s approach feels more integrated and user-friendly.

12/ Got doubts about privacy? O2 states that this AI analyzes number behavior, not your conversations. It’s focused on stopping bad actors, not invading your privacy.

13/ This is part of a broader trend in cybersecurity. As scams evolve, companies are leveraging machine learning to adapt in real-time. Expect to see this across more industries soon.

14/ Remember when caller ID felt revolutionary? Call Defence is the modern evolution of that, a smarter, more proactive shield in the battle against fraud.

15/ Why should businesses care? Scams don’t just target individuals. They often pose as legitimate companies to trick employees into sharing sensitive data. This tool protects both sides.

16/ The big question: Does it work? O2 is rolling this out in phases, so user feedback will shape its effectiveness. But it’s a promising step toward making scam calls obsolete.

17/ Let’s talk about Hiya again. Their expertise spans global networks, blocking over 1 billion scam calls monthly. Partnering with them boosts O2's credibility in fighting fraud.

18/ Beyond O2, this could spark a wave of innovation in call security. Will other carriers adopt similar systems? If this proves effective, it’s likely we’ll see it everywhere soon.

19/ What you can do:

Check if you’re eligible.

Keep your software updated.

Be vigilant, even with tools like this, it’s a partnership between tech and user awareness.

This is more than a tech update. It’s a signal that AI can be a powerful ally against fraud, not just a tool for scams. Kudos to O2 for leading the charge.

What do you think?

game-changer or just a nice-to-have?

https://www.techradar.com/computing/cyber-security/o2s-new-call-defence-tool-uses-ai-to-protect-you-from-scam-calls-for-free?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=topic%2Fartificialintelligence