In a groundbreaking initiative, cybersecurity experts from Macquarie University have partnered with Australia’s largest bank, CommBank, to develop Apate.ai, an innovative anti-scam technology designed to combat the global rise of cybercrime. The technology uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to create realistic, multilingual chatbots capable of engaging scammers in lengthy, unproductive conversations, keeping them away from vulnerable victims.
How apate.ai works
Named after the Greek goddess of deceit, Apate.ai leverages AI to create sophisticated voice clones that simulate human behaviour convincingly. The chatbots can mimic various personalities, speak multiple languages, and engage scammers in detailed conversations.
“We’ve created a model that ties them up, wastes their time, and reduces the number of successful scams,” said Professor Dali Kaafar, Executive Director of Macquarie University’s Cyber Security Hub and the project’s lead. By keeping scammers occupied, Apate.ai disrupts their ability to target legitimate victims, undermining the profitability of their fraudulent schemes.
The initiative also has the capability to extract valuable real-time intelligence about scammers’ tactics, manipulation techniques, and impersonated organisations. This information is shared with businesses, regulators, and law enforcement to bolster public awareness and strengthen anti-scam efforts globally.
A growing network of bots
Since its inception, Apate.ai has evolved from a modest programme with 100 bots to a sophisticated network of thousands. These bots emulate complex human behaviours, making it increasingly difficult for scammers to discern that they are speaking with artificial intelligence.
“We used to name each of them,” Kaafar recalled. “But now we have thousands of different bots emulating unique human behaviour.” This scalability allows Apate.ai to tackle scams on a much larger scale, reflecting the rising global need for advanced cybersecurity measures.
A timely response to a global problem
The need for such technology is urgent. According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, scams resulted in global losses exceeding $1 trillion last year, affecting over 2 billion people. Alarmingly, less than 1% of scammers are apprehended, highlighting the difficulty of tackling this pervasive issue.
India alone reported over 135,000 phishing attacks in the first half of 2024, ranking 10th globally for cybercrime incidents. The rise of text-based scams on platforms such as WhatsApp and TikTok further amplifies the need for tools like Apate.ai.
CommBank’s role in strengthening the effort
CommBank’s involvement in the initiative adds another layer of expertise. The bank shares scam intelligence with Macquarie University’s team, ensuring Apate.ai remains updated with the latest scam techniques.
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“We are committed to protecting our customers and making it harder for scammers to succeed,” a CommBank spokesperson said. The collaboration aims to reduce scam effectiveness, not only protecting Australians but also contributing to a safer global cyber environment.
More than just a time-waster
Beyond diverting scammers’ attention, Apate.ai actively collects and analyses data on fraudulent tactics. This intelligence is used to:
- Warn the public about emerging scam strategies.
- Help businesses and regulators pre-empt potential threats.
- Assist law enforcement in tracking and prosecuting scammers.
Additionally, Apate.ai has expanded its reach to text-based scams, allowing it to tackle fraudulent activities across a broader spectrum of platforms and communication methods.
A model for the future
Apate.ai represents a pioneering step in cybersecurity, showcasing how AI can be used innovatively to tackle modern challenges. By combining cutting-edge technology with collaboration between academia and industry, the project has created a model that could inspire similar initiatives worldwide.
As scams become more sophisticated, so too must the solutions designed to combat them. With tools like Apate.ai, the balance of power may finally be shifting away from scammers and toward those striving to protect society.
