Why we All Need a Safe Word for Family and Business

In our increasingly AI-driven world: scammers are getting craftier by the day. With tools today that can clone voices and even create deepfake videos, it’s easier than ever for someone to impersonate a loved one, coworker, or even a government official. All it takes is a short audio or video clip for them to craft a perfectly convincing scam. And when emotions run high—say, a frantic call asking for help—you might react without giving it a second thought, risking your money or personal data.

That’s why having a safe word isn’t just a quirky idea—it’s a critical line of defense. A safe word is simply a secret code, one that only you and the people you trust know. If you ever receive a call or message that seems urgent, asking for the safe word is a quick way to check if it’s really who they claim to be. It’s like having a secret handshake in a digital world.

Here’s how these AI scams typically work: Imagine getting a call that sounds like it’s from your spouse, child, or a close friend. The voice tells you there’s an emergency—maybe an accident, legal trouble, or a sudden financial crisis. The scammer uses AI to mimic the person’s voice so well that you almost don’t hesitate to act. And just like that, you’ve been tricked into wiring money or sharing sensitive information—all in a matter of moments. See it in action here: https://youtube.com/shorts/_EMfchDAfBMhttps://youtube.com/shorts/_EMfchDAfBM

And it’s not just voices; a brief video clip of you or someone you know, possibly found online, can be enough for scammers to whip up a convincing deepfake. Even as little as 30 seconds of data can be enough to pull it off.

So how do you set up your safe word system? It’s simpler than you might think:

1. Pick a unique code: Choose a word, phrase, or even a quirky question that wouldn’t be easy for outsiders to guess. Steer clear of things like birthdays, common names, or pet names. An inside joke might work perfectly—as long as no one else is in on it.
2. Keep it under wraps: Only share your safe word in person or through a secure, encrypted channel. Don’t ever post it online or mention it in public spaces. Consider storing it in a secure place like an encrypted password manager. If there’s ever any hint of it going public, change it immediately.
3. Tailor safe words for different circles: While you might have one safe word for family calls, a separate code could be useful for work-related communications or close friends. This way, even if one circle is compromised, the others remain secure.
4. Practice using it: Just like any security measure, a safe word is only effective if everyone remembers to use it. Make it a habit to test it out now and then—it doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking ordeal. In fact, you can make it a fun little drill.

There are also a few extra steps you can take to verify someone’s identity when you’re in doubt:

• Call back: If you’re receiving an urgent message, hang up and call back using the number you already have saved in your contacts. Scammers can fake caller IDs, so rely on your own trusted records.
• Switch to video: If it’s safe to do so, ask for a video call. While video deepfakes are possible, it’s less likely a scammer will have the perfect combo of audio and live video in real time. Just remember to ask for the safe word, too.
• Ask personal questions: Sometimes a question only the real person could answer is all you need for a double-check, giving you an extra layer of security.

At the end of the day, the goal is to stay calm, verify before you act, and protect yourself and those you care about. A safe word is a simple yet powerful tool in our digital age—a way to add a personal, human touch to cybersecurity. So, take a few minutes to set one up for your family, friends, or colleagues. It might just be the best defense you have against AI-powered scams.

There’s always more to learn about supporting one another in this fast-paced digital environment, so keep exploring ways to stay safe and informed. Stay sharp, and take care out there! https://youtube.com/shorts/_EMfchDAfBMhttps://youtube.com/shorts/_EMfchDAfBM