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IACP conference In Boston Highlighted AI’s Growing Role In Modern Policing

• Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
• Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

At the IACP conference, police chiefs explored AI technologies like VR training, generative reports, and data systems, raising privacy concerns and highlighting regulatory gaps in policing.

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

• Over 600 vendors showcased technologies, including VR training systems and AI tools.
• VR training promises engagement but lacks realism for complex police-public interactions.
• Generative AI tools like Axon’s Draft One raise concerns over report accuracy and bias.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference, one of the most exclusive gatherings in law enforcement, offered a rare glimpse into the evolving landscape of policing technology last month in Boston, according to an MIT Review press release.

The event, often closed to the press, brought together leaders from across the U.S. and abroad to discuss innovations shaping the future of policing.

MIT reports that vendors and companies showcased cutting-edge tools aimed at revolutionizing policing practices, particularly in training, data analysis, and administrative tasks.

One of the most attention-grabbing demonstrations was from V-Armed, a company specializing in virtual reality (VR) training systems . In its booth, complete with VR goggles and sensors, attendees could simulate active shooter scenarios.

VR training, touted as an engaging and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, has drawn interest from police departments, including the Los Angeles Police Department.

However, critics argue that while VR systems offer immersive experiences, they cannot replicate the nuanced human interactions officers encounter in real-world situations.

Beyond training, AI’s role in data collection and analysis took center stage. Companies like Axon and Flock unveiled integrated systems combining cameras, license plate readers, and drones to gather and interpret data, reports MIT.

These tools promise efficiency but have sparked privacy concerns. Civil liberties advocates warn such systems could lead to over-surveillance with limited accountability or public benefit, reported MIT.

Administrative efficiency was another key focus. Axon introduced “Draft One,” a generative AI tool that creates initial drafts of police reports by analyzing body camera footage.

While this technology could save officers significant time, legal experts like Andrew Ferguson caution against the risk of inaccuracies in these critical documents. Errors or biases in AI-generated reports could influence case outcomes, from bail decisions to trial verdicts, sais MIT.

MIT notes that the absence of federal regulations governing AI use in policing adds to the complexity. With over 18,000 largely autonomous police departments in the U.S., decisions about adopting AI tools rest with individual agencies.

This fragmented approach raises concerns about inconsistent standards for ethics, privacy, and accuracy. As AI becomes a cornerstone of policing, its unregulated expansion highlights the need for oversight.

Without clear boundaries, critics warn the industry risks prioritizing profit over public accountability—a challenge set to intensify amid shifting political priorities and advancements in policing technologies.

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Hackers Exploit ‘ClickFix’ Scams To Spread Malware

• Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
• Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Hackers exploit “ClickFix” social engineering, tricking users with fake errors or CAPTCHA to execute PowerShell, spreading malware globally since 2024.

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

• ClickFix scams disguise as trusted services like Microsoft Word and Google Chrome.
• Fake CAPTCHA challenges are part of ClickFix, delivering malware like AsyncRAT and Lumma Stealer.
• ClickFix exploits users’ problem-solving instincts to bypass traditional security measures.

Cybercriminals are increasingly employing a sneaky social engineering tactic called “ClickFix” to distribute malware, targeting individuals’ instinct to troubleshoot problems on their own.

Research from Proofpoint has revealed on Monday the growing use of this method, which has been observed in numerous campaigns since March 2024.

The “ClickFix” technique relies on fake error messages displayed through pop-up dialog boxes. These messages appear legitimate and prompt users to fix an alleged issue themselves, explains Proofpoint.

Often, the instructions direct users to copy and paste a provided script into their computer’s PowerShell terminal, a tool used to execute commands on Windows systems. Unbeknownst to the user, this action downloads and runs malicious software.

Proofpoint has seen this approach used in phishing emails, malicious URLs, and compromised websites.

Threat actors disguise their scams as notifications from trusted sources like Microsoft Word, Google Chrome, and even local services tailored to specific industries, such as logistics or transportation.

A particularly devious variation of ClickFix incorporates fake CAPTCHA challenges, where users are asked to “prove they’re human,” explains Proofpoint.

The CAPTCHA trick is paired with instructions to execute malicious commands that install malware like AsyncRAT, DarkGate, or Lumma Stealer. Notably, a toolkit for this fake CAPTCHA tactic surfaced on GitHub, making it easier for criminals to use.

According to Proofpoint, Hackers have targeted a range of organizations globally, including government entities in Ukraine. In one instance, they impersonated GitHub, using fake security alerts to direct users to malicious websites.

These scams have led to malware infections in over 300 organizations.

What makes ClickFix so effective is its ability to bypass many security measures. Since users voluntarily execute the malicious commands, traditional email filters and anti-virus tools are less likely to flag the activity, says Proofpoint.

Proofpoint emphasizes that this tactic is part of a broader trend in hacking: manipulating human behavior rather than just exploiting technical vulnerabilities. Hackers rely on users’ willingness to solve problems independently, often bypassing IT teams in the process.

To counter this threat, organizations should educate employees about ClickFix scams, reinforcing the importance of skepticism toward unsolicited troubleshooting instructions.

Staying vigilant and reporting suspicious emails or pop-ups can help prevent falling victim to these crafty attacks.