AI and specialized tools combat rising digital spam and phishing

Messaging platforms are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence to combat spam, suspicious messages, and digital scams. Unlike traditional filters that rely on fixed rules, such as blocking specific numbers after a set number of complaints, AI-driven systems use machine learning to analyze behavioral patterns. These tools can identify abnormal activities, such as accounts making sudden contact with large numbers of people, sending identical messages repeatedly, or making an unusual volume of calls in a short period.

As SMS-based phishing, or ‘smishing’, accounts for approximately 35% of global phishing scams, specialized security services are offering targeted protections. For example, Surfshark VPN provides tools designed to intercept and filter dubious messages, directing them to spam folders on iOS or providing notifications for review on Android. These services aim to prevent accidental clicks on malicious links and monitor for data leaks on the dark web.