“If there are any free online tools to use, you know the saying, if the product is free, you are the product.” – Prof. Rachel Farrell
“If there are any free online tools to use, you know the saying, if the product is free, you are the product.”
– Prof. Rachel Farrell
A new episode of ADAPT Radio examines the growing need for digital awareness as artificial intelligence continues to reshape the cyber threat landscape.
Featuring Professor Rachel Farrell of University College Dublin and Paul Stanley from National Cyber Security Centre, the discussion centres on how increasingly sophisticated AI-generated scams, ranging from convincing deepfake videos to near-perfect phishing calls, are making fraud significantly harder to detect.
Professor Farrell warns that the widespread use of free online tools often comes with hidden costs, noting that users themselves can become the commodity. Both guests stress that strengthening “cyber hygiene” is now essential, with simple practices like strong authentication and awareness of common tactics forming the first line of defence.
The episode also underscores the urgency for broader digital literacy, from primary education through to organisational leadership. Initiatives such as cyber citizenship programmes aim to equip individuals with the knowledge to recognise threats, while businesses are encouraged to develop robust disaster recovery plans to minimise the impact of potential attacks.
Stanley emphasises that layered verification, such as multi-factor authentication, can prevent the majority of incidents, reinforcing that vigilance and education remain the most effective tools in an evolving threat environment.
The full episode is available now on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our website.
