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AI, Supply Chains, and the New Reality of Cyber Resilience

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AI, Supply Chains, and the New Reality of Cyber Resilience

Every SMB owner I have spoken to lately is asking the same thing: “What’s the biggest cyber risk we should be watching right now?”

The truth?  It’s not just one.  Two issues are dominating the resilience landscape today, and they’re hitting SMBs as hard as the big players:

AI-Powered Scams

Generative AI isn’t just making life easier for your marketing team, it’s also turbo-charging cybercrime.

  • Phishing emails no longer look like they came from a dodgy hotmail account.  They’re polished, localised, and convincing.

  • Deepfake voice calls and even video messages can now trick staff into approving payments or sharing access.

  • The old “spot the typo” training simply doesn’t cut it anymore.

Supply Chain Weakness

Big brands from Jaguar Land Rover to airport systems have recently been knocked offline, not by direct attack, but through suppliers.

  • One weak link can cause days (or weeks) of disruption.

  • For SMBs, being part of a larger supply chain makes them a target, often the path of least resistance.

  • Resilience today means asking tough questions of your vendors and proving your own house is in order.

What This Means for SMBs

Resilience isn’t about a single tool, policy, or insurance policy.  It’s about being able to:

  • Identify risks (internal and external)

  • Strengthen defences in layers

  • Train staff to spot the real threats

  • Recover quickly when things go wrong

  • Adapt as new risks like AI evolve

That’s the difference between hoping you’re safe and knowing you’re resilient.

At SJ Cyber Aware, we’ve built a structured, practical programme, The Journey to Cyber Resilience, that helps SMBs embed these pillars into daily operations.  The stark truth is that in 2025, hoping for the best is no longer a strategy.

What’s your view?  Do you see AI-driven scams as the bigger threat, or supply chain risk?

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The Hidden Risks of Sharenting

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Why Oversharing Isn’t Always Harmless

I was watching a news piece this morning on the dangers of oversharing online, more specifically, sharenting.  It immediately brought to mind an essay I wrote at university on the highs and lows of oversharing.  Back then, the risks seemed theoretical.  Today, they are painfully real.

Modern parents and grandparents often live their lives through social media. A camera is always within reach, ready to capture family moments, including awkward or embarrassing ones and many feel compelled to share these instantly.  What many forget, however, is that every post builds a digital footprint.  In an age where artificial intelligence can harvest, replicate, or manipulate personal data, the consequences extend far beyond a single image.

We are all guilty of it.  We all mean well, as parents, grandparents or guardians, we need to be more aware, not just for now, but for the future our children will live.

A Digital Record Created Without Their Consent

By the time children reach their teenage years, they may already have hundreds of photos, videos, and stories online, many of which they did not choose.  Unlike a physical photo album, digital posts can be searched, shared, and even manipulated indefinitely.  These records can affect friendships, school reputation, and future opportunities.

That “Funny” Photo: From Innocent to Harmful

What feels like a lighthearted moment to us can become a weapon later.  That one “funny” photo may resurface years later and become fuel for cyberbullying or even physical bullying.  The child who once was a source of parental pride may become a target among peers.  The emotional impact, shame, insecurity, social withdrawal, can last long after the image is posted.

Identity Theft, Fraud & the Hidden Dangers of AI

Parents often share full names, birthdays, school uniforms, geolocations, or even daily routines, life by social media!  When aggregated, this information becomes a treasure trove for cybercriminals.  They may attempt identity theft, or use the data to carry out phishing or impersonation attacks.

Beyond that, AI systems are increasingly capable of using such data to generate synthetic content, deepfakes, voice mimics, or facial reconstructions, which can replicate or distort personal identity.  The “hidden dangers of AI” are no longer futuristic speculation, they’re increasingly part present reality.

Privacy, Respect & Autonomy

As children grow, they develop identities and boundaries.  Sharing deeply personal or embarrassing moments without their input erodes trust.  A child may feel exposed or disrespected by a digital legacy they never consented to.

Illustrated in a Video: A Message from Ella, Without Consent

If you don’t believe me, watch this: A Message from Ella | Without Consent (YouTube)

Overview of the Clip

This short but powerful video presents a narrative from the perspective of a child, “Ella”, whose images and personal stories have been shared without her consent.  She speaks directly to the viewer, explaining how it feels to see intimate, private moments made public, how it affects her identity and dignity, and how the control over her own story was taken away.  The video is a compelling reminder that the subjects of sharenting are people with emotions, not just snapshots.

Safer Sharing: A Practical Approach

Sharenting doesn’t require stopping entirely, but it does ask for intention:

  • Restrict audiences using privacy settings.

  • Avoid identifiable data like school names, uniforms, or precise locations.

  • Delay posting, wait until after events rather than posting in real time.

  • Seek the child’s consent, especially as they mature.

  • Use private platforms or closed family groups instead of public timelines.

Final Thought

Sharenting often comes from pride and love, but with it come real risks, identity theft, reputational harm, bullying, and a digital history over which a child has no control.  By being more mindful today, parents can help protect their child’s dignity, privacy, and future.

Sometimes the most caring act is choosing not to share.

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AI & Cyber Security: The New Dream Team

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A very quick and simplistic overview of AI in Cyber Security.

Think of AI in cyber security like a sniffer dog at the airport, it doesn’t replace the security staff, but it spots the dodgy suitcase a mile away.

Instead of sifting through mountains of boring logs and alerts, AI keeps an eye out for the weird stuff: dodgy emails, strange login attempts, or a hacker poking around where they shouldn’t be.  It’s like having a super-fast colleague who never gets tired, never takes a tea break, and definitely doesn’t get distracted by TikTok.

But here’s the catch, AI isn’t magic.  It still needs humans to set the rules, sense-check the alerts, and make the smart calls.  Think of it as a trusty sidekick, not the hero of the story.

Bottom line: AI makes cyber security sharper, faster, and (dare we say it) a little less boring.

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Day 7: AI Scams, the Final Word

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Wrapping It Up: AI Scams in a Nutshell

If you’ve made it this far, you’ll have spotted the pattern, AI hasn’t just made business tools smarter, it’s made scams slicker, smoother, and a whole lot harder to spot.

  • Romance scams prove that love isn’t always blind, sometimes it’s expensive.

  • Deepfakes show us that even your “boss” might not be who they appear to be.

  • Social media bots remind us that not every five-star review is real (and some “customers” don’t even exist).

  • Phishing 2.0 polished up the old email con until it looks better than the real invoices in your inbox.

  • Conversational phishing turned one-off emails into weeks-long “relationships” that slowly drain your trust (and your bank account).

  • Investment scams shine like gold, but turn out to be little more than tinfoil when the money disappears.

It’s easy to laugh at these when they’re stories in the news, but when they land in your inbox, office phone, or LinkedIn DMs, they don’t feel like jokes.  They feel urgent, they feel real, and that’s exactly why they work.

Top Takeaways for SMBs

  1. Trust processes, not appearances.  Whether it’s an email, a call, or a video, if money or sensitive data is involved, verify it through a trusted channel.

  2. Make “double-checking” a badge of honour.  Build a culture where pausing to confirm isn’t a nuisance, it’s good business.

  3. Train your team, not just your tech.  Filters, firewalls, and software help, but human awareness is your first (and last) line of defence.

  4. Slow down.  Most scams succeed because people feel rushed.  A minute to pause could save months of pain.

  5. Don’t chase shiny promises.  If an “opportunity” looks too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, SMB resilience isn’t about spotting every scam, that’s impossible.  It’s about building habits and systems that make scams harder to land in the first place.  Think of it like installing good locks on your doors: you can’t stop burglars existing, but you can make your place the hardest one to break into on the street.

AI scams are evolving fast, but so can you.  By training your team, tightening your processes, and treating “verify before you trust” as a golden rule, your business can stay one step ahead of the fraudsters.

In the world of AI scams, curiosity and caution aren’t weaknesses, they’re your competitive edge.

AI Investment Scam

Day 6: Fools Gold, AI Investment Scams

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Fool’s Gold 2.0: AI Investment Scams Aimed at Business Owners

Running a small or mid-sized business is tough enough without someone dangling “get rich quick” opportunities in your face. But that’s exactly what AI-driven investment scams do, and they’re getting scarily good at it.

Business owners and directors are prime targets.  Why? Because scammers know you control the purse strings, you’re under pressure to grow, and you may be tempted by promises of quick returns, exclusive business loans, or the next big crypto boom.

AI makes these scams look bulletproof. Criminals churn out slick websites, glowing testimonials, and even fake trading dashboards that update in real time. Social media feeds get flooded with “success stories” from supposed investors (who are nothing more than AI-generated faces).  If you bite, the scammers don’t just take your money , they take your reputation with it.  Imagine explaining to your staff, partners, or clients that business funds vanished chasing a phantom investment.

Real-life example: In 2023, UK regulators warned about a wave of AI-powered “green energy investment schemes.”  The fraudsters used cloned voices of well-known entrepreneurs in video ads, backed by professional-looking websites showing fake environmental projects. Several small business directors invested both company reserves and personal savings, only to discover the schemes didn’t exist.  Losses ran into the millions.

What SMB Owners Can Do

  • Be sceptical of unsolicited offers. If an opportunity arrives via cold email, DM, or an online ad, assume it’s a scam until proven otherwise.

  • Check before you commit. Verify the company with the FCA register and run independent searches, don’t rely on the material provided by the promoter.

  • Separate business from personal.  Never blur the line between company funds and your own savings when it comes to “investment opportunities.”

  • Get independent financial advice.  A 30-minute call with a regulated advisor is far cheaper than losing six figures to a scam.

  • Pause before you leap.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

AI-driven investment scams are the modern fool’s gold.  They shine bright, they look convincing, and they’re designed to lure in busy owners chasing growth.  For SMBs, the smartest investment isn’t in a flashy crypto pitch, it’s in due diligence and trusted advice.

AI Chatty Scammers

Day 5: AI Chatty Scammers

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Chatty Scammers: When AI Holds a Conversation to Steal Your Cash

Traditional phishing was like a smash-and-grab, one dodgy email, poorly worded, hoping someone would bite.  With AI, criminals have become far more patient and polished.  Welcome to conversational phishing, where scammers don’t just send one email,  they hold an entire dialogue with your staff.

Picture this, your accounts team gets an email from what looks like a regular supplier chasing a late payment.  They reply, and instantly, a polite, natural-sounding response comes back. Over the next few days (or even weeks), the “supplier” keeps chatting, sharing believable details, and sounding utterly convincing.  Only later do they slip in the sting, a change of bank details, a link to “settle the invoice,” or a subtle request for confidential data.

For small businesses, this kind of scam is particularly nasty.  Unlike big corporates with complex supplier management systems, many SMBs rely on trust and personal relationships with their partners.  That trust is exactly what criminals exploit.

Real-life example: In 2023, a UK-based manufacturing firm lost £60,000 after an accounts clerk corresponded with what they thought was a long-standing supplier.  The emails stretched over two weeks, building confidence.  On the final day, the “supplier” explained they’d updated their bank account and urgently needed payment.  The transfer went through and the real supplier only flagged the missing money weeks later.

What SMBs Can Do

  • Set ironclad rules for bank detail changes.  No matter how convincing the email, verify any new payment details using a trusted phone number or direct contact.

  • Introduce supplier verification steps.  A short checklist (e.g., “call before you pay”) can stop scams dead in their tracks.

  • Train staff to be politely suspicious.  If something feels off, sudden urgency, unfamiliar tone, or repeated requests, pause and double-check.

  • Use shared mailboxes or monitoring.  If only one person deals with a supplier, scams are easier to miss. Having a backup pair of eyes helps.

AI has given cybercriminals the patience of a saint and the tongue of a silver-tongued salesperson.  But with clear rules and a healthy “verify first, pay second” culture, SMBs can stay one step ahead of the chatty scammers.

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Day 4: Phishing 2.0: AI Scam Emails Look Better Than the Real Thing

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Phishing 2.0: AI Scam Emails Look Better Than the Real Thing

Remember when scam emails were easy to spot? Dodgy grammar, random capital letters, and a promise of millions from a “Prince” who just needed your bank details?  Sadly, those days are gone.

With AI in the mix, phishing emails now look slick, polished, and worryingly convincing. Criminals can generate messages that read like they came from HMRC, your bank, or a trusted supplier.  The branding is perfect, the tone feels right, and even the “from” address can look almost identical to the real thing.

For SMBs juggling multiple clients, suppliers, and invoices every week, this is a nightmare.  A fake tax notice, an urgent utility bill, or a “customer complaint” can slide into the inbox and look completely legitimate. One click to open an attachment or one rushed payment later, and suddenly your business is dealing with malware, ransomware, or financial loss.

💡 Real-life example: In 2024, several UK SMBs in the hospitality sector were hit with AI-crafted phishing campaigns posing as energy suppliers.  The emails looked identical to genuine statements, right down to the logos and reference numbers.  Staff under pressure to pay “overdue” invoices wired thousands before realising the supplier accounts were fake.

What SMBs Can Do

  • Trust but verify. Never approve a payment request or invoice without confirming it through a known, independent channel.

  • Invest in good email filtering. Modern filters can catch many suspicious emails before they hit inboxes.

  • Train your team. Staff should know how to spot red flags like urgent tone, unusual requests, or slightly odd sender addresses.

  • Slow down. Most phishing succeeds because people feel rushed. Taking 60 seconds to double-check could save thousands.

AI has given scammers a new set of tools, but SMBs can fight back with clear processes, good technology, and a healthy dose of caution.

In short: don’t let a well-worded email catch you off guard.

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Day 3: AI-Powered Social Media Bots

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AI-Powered Social Media Bots (Messing with Your Reputation)

For small businesses, reputation is everything.  You live and die by your reviews, your repeat customers, and the trust you’ve built up in your community.  Imagine this: one morning you open your phone and see a string of bad reviews, angry comments, or dodgy DMs from “customers” you’ve never met.

Here’s the catch, those “people” might not be people at all.  They could be AI-powered bots.

What’s a Social Media Bot?

Think of a bot as a digital puppet. It looks like a real person online, profile picture, posts, even conversations, but behind the strings is just a bit of software. With AI, these bots have gotten smart. They can:

  • Chat in a way that feels natural.

  • Like and share posts to look genuine.

  • Send you messages pretending to be a customer, supplier, or even a fan.

The scary part?  They can work in swarms, creating the illusion of a crowd.

Why It Matters for SMBs

Bots can do more than just spam your inbox. They can:

  • Trash your reputation: Fake one-star reviews can put off potential customers.

  • Impersonate your clients or suppliers: Sending links that install malware when clicked.

  • Start false rumours: Making a minor hiccup look like a full-blown crisis.

When you’re running a café, shop, or service firm, you don’t always have a big PR team to fight this. That makes smaller businesses particularly vulnerable.

A Real Story

In 2023, a group of London restaurants suddenly got hit with dozens of “food poisoning” reviews in the same week.  Different names, different writing styles, but eerily similar complaints.  The owners later found out they were being extorted: “Pay us, or the bad reviews keep coming.”

For big chains, this was a headache. For little independent cafés, it was devastating, bookings dropped overnight.  Only after working with Google to remove the reviews did things slowly return to normal.

What You Can Do

  • Keep an eye on things: Make checking reviews and social mentions part of the daily routine.

  • Don’t panic-reply: If a message feels off, step back before clicking or replying.

  • Report it fast: Use the tools on platforms to flag fakes before they spread.

  • Talk to your team: Remind them that not everyone online is who they claim to be.

The bottom line: Social media bots aren’t just an annoyance, they can chip away at the trust you’ve worked so hard to build.  By keeping a watchful eye and reacting calmly, you can stop the fakes from gaining ground.

Deepfake AI Scam

Day 2: Deepfake Scams

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2. Deepfake Scams (Business Leaders as Targets)

A few years ago, deepfakes were the stuff of sci-fi thrillers or viral internet memes.  Funny, a bit weird, but not something most business owners thought they’d have to worry about.  Fast forward to 2025, and deepfakes aren’t just entertaining party tricks, they’re precision tools for cybercriminals.

Here’s the scenario, your finance manager gets a video call.  On screen is your Managing Director, looking stressed, speaking urgently,  “We need to get this supplier paid immediately, no time for the usual checks.”  The face looks right.  The voice sounds right.  Even the little mannerisms are there, the slight head tilt, the hand gestures, the hurried tone. However it’s not your MD!  It’s a criminal, armed with AI.

Why it’s so dangerous for SMBs:-

  • Trust and authority: Staff naturally trust instructions from leaders. Deepfakes weaponise that trust.

  • Speed and pressure: These scams often involve urgency, “we’ll lose the deal if we don’t act now”, leaving little time to question.

  • Fewer barriers: Large corporates often require multiple sign-offs for large payments.  In SMBs, processes are leaner, and one convincing call could be all it takes.

The consequences?  A single fraudulent transfer could drain tens or even hundreds of thousands from your business account, and worse, it’s not always easy to claw that money back.

What SMBs can do to fight back:

  • Set strict approval processes for payments, even when the request seems to come from the top.

  • Use out-of-band verification, a quick phone call, face-to-face check, or secure messaging platform, to confirm urgent requests.

  • Train staff to recognise the red flags: unusual requests, time pressure, or slightly “off” behaviour in a familiar face.

The bottom line?  Deepfakes have made “seeing is believing” a dangerous assumption.  For SMB’s, the real defence is process and culture: empowering staff to question, verify, and slow down, even if the request looks like it’s coming straight from the boss.

AI Romance Scam

Day 1: AI-Powered Romance Scams

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AI-Powered Romance Scams (and Their Impact on Staff)

On the surface, romance scams sound like the kind of drama you’d expect to see on a late-night TV special rather than in your office.  You picture lonely hearts chatting away online, sending flowers, maybe even writing bad poetry to someone who doesn’t exist.  It feels like something that happens “out there,” not something that could ever affect your business.

But 2025 has changed the game.  These aren’t clumsy love letters written by scammers with a dodgy grasp of English.  AI-powered romance scams now involve chatbots and deepfake profiles that can hold long, witty, and surprisingly warm conversations.  They remember details, mirror emotions, and adapt responses, like having a digital partner who always knows the right thing to say, and that’s the problem, they feel real.

Here’s where the light-hearted sitcom plot turns into a serious business risk.  Employees caught up in these AI-driven “relationships” can quickly become emotionally entangled.  Once trust is built, the manipulation begins:

  • “I just need a little help with money until my next payday.”

  • “Can you buy this crypto for me? It’s complicated in my country.”

  • “If you really care about me, can’t you use your work card?”

And suddenly, it’s not just a personal heartbreak.  For SMBs, where one employee might hold the purse strings or have wide IT access, the fallout can be brutal.  We’re talking:-

  • Unauthorised spending on company credit cards.

  • Malware introduced via “apps” or links shared in chats.

  • Sensitive company data leaked under the guise of “proving trust.”

Unlike big corporates with multiple checks and balances, smaller businesses often rely heavily on trust and individual judgment.  That makes them prime targets.

The hard truth?  AI-powered romance scams aren’t just about broken hearts anymore.  They’re about broken businesses.  One distracted, manipulated employee could open the door to financial loss, regulatory trouble, or reputational damage.

What SMBs can do:-

  • Make scam awareness part of workplace culture, no shame, no judgement, just open conversations.

  • Put in practical safeguards like dual-approval for payments and access limits.

  • Support staff who might be vulnerable, because prevention is always cheaper than clean-up.

So yes, romance scams may sound like a soap opera subplot, however in 2025, they’re also a boardroom issue.  If your business isn’t prepared, the ending won’t be a rom-com.  It’ll be a horror story.

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