Simple Math:

Rise of AI Slop (rapid ability to generate believable content)
x
Cybercriminals seeking to commit fraud
=
Enormous Rise in Social Engineering Victimization

The ease, speed, and affordability of creating hyper-realistic media which can be used to compel vast numbers of people to click malicious links, install dangerous software, provide sensitive data/credentials, or send money to fraudulent campaigns, will skyrocket because people lack the cognitive tools to detect and resist such entertaining and compelling engagements.

This rising problem will require a combination of better tools to filter, processes to vet, and human mental capabilities to avoid. Unfortunately, those controls move far slower than the innovation and motivation of malicious entities behind the next generation of powerful media-enriched social engineering tactics.

John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight’s episode on AI Slop, provides an entertaining backdrop to what I fear will be foundational to another epic rise in cyber social engineering victimization.