The Risks of AI in Social Engineering

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work and communicate. For businesses, AI offers speed, efficiency, and new opportunities. But there’s another side to this technology: it also introduces new risks. One of the most significant is how AI is being used in social engineering.

As a London-based managed service provider (MSP), Maple is seeing first-hand how fast these threats are evolving. Here’s what you need to know.
 

What is Social Engineering?

Social engineering is the practice of influencing or manipulating people into taking certain actions, often by exploiting trust or emotions. Unlike traditional hacking, it doesn’t always involve breaking into systems, it targets human behaviour instead.

Classic examples include phishing emails, impersonation attempts, and scams that pressure people into making quick decisions.
 

How AI is Changing Social Engineering

Artificial intelligence has made social engineering more convincing and harder to spot.

• AI tools can generate natural, personalised messages that speak directly to someone’s interests, fears, or responsibilities.
   

• Voice cloning and deepfake video allow attackers to impersonate trusted colleagues or leaders, making false requests appear genuine.
   

• AI can analyse public information from LinkedIn and other platforms to build detailed profiles, making manipulation more targeted.
   

• These tactics can be carried out at scale, allowing thousands of tailored messages or calls to be sent at once.
   

Examples of AI-Driven Social Engineering

AI social engineering isn’t just theory, it’s already happening:

• Fraudsters are using AI voice clones to trick finance teams into transferring money.
   

• Businesses are being targeted with AI-generated phishing emails that contain no spelling mistakes or strange grammar.
   

• Public figures and companies are facing deepfake videos designed to spread false information or damage reputations
   

Why Businesses Should Care

Traditional security training often tells employees to look for poor grammar, odd wording, or other obvious red flags. With AI, those warning signs are disappearing.

This makes it much harder for staff to spot manipulation and increases the risk that even cautious employees could be deceived. Beyond fraud, AI-driven social engineering can also fuel misinformation, fake reviews, and attempts to influence public opinion
 

How to Protect Your Business

There are practical steps every organisation can take to reduce risk:

• Start with education. Train staff to recognise modern social engineering tactics, including AI-generated content.
   

• Put verification policies in place. Encourage employees to confirm unusual or sensitive requests through a second channel.
   

• Use monitoring and security tools that detect suspicious communication patterns or fake content.
   

• Stay adaptable and proactive by working with a trusted MSP who can keep your defences up to date as new threats emerge.

Work With a London MSP You Can Trust

At Maple, we help businesses across London strengthen their security and prepare for evolving risks like AI-driven social engineering. From employee training to advanced monitoring tools, our team can give you the confidence that your organisation is protected.

FAQ: AI and Social Engineering

What is AI-driven social engineering?
AI-driven social engineering uses artificial intelligence to manipulate people with realistic messages, voices, or videos designed to trick them into acting.

How can businesses protect themselves?
Businesses should train staff, enforce verification processes, use monitoring tools, and work with an experienced MSP to stay ahead of these risks.

Why is AI a threat to businesses?
AI makes social engineering more persuasive, scalable, and convincing, which increases the likelihood of employees being deceived.