This week Laura and Kevin discuss one of the most pressing threats in tech today: AI voice cloning. They’re joined by Alex Quilici, CEO of YouMail and a longtime leader in telecom security, to break down how generative AI is being weaponized for scams and what can be done about it.
Alex shares how tools that used to need hours of audio can now mimic your voice from a voicemail greeting or a TikTok clip. He explains how scammers have become more sophisticated than ever, targeting different demographics with tailored tactics, texting one person, calling another, and emailing a third with a fake callback number. He also walks us through why voice authentication, once considered cutting-edge, may now be obsolete. The episode covers everything from how to help your grandma avoid IRS impersonators, to what businesses like banks and law firms should be doing today to avoid being the next deepfake headline.
If you’ve ever picked up a call from an unknown number or left a voicemail, this episode is for you. Alex gives clear advice for individuals and organizations on how to stay a step ahead and why it’s time we rethink how we prove who we are over the phone.
Alex Quilici is an entrepreneur with over 25+ years of experience in the tech industry. Holding a PhD in Computer Science from UCLA, his expertise spans telecommunications and security, boasting over 30 patents in these fields.
Today, Alex holds the title of CEO of YouMail, a totally free robocall blocking app and call protection service for mobile phones, since 2007. Alex leads a globally distributed team spanning seven countries, driving the company's mission to enhance communication safety and effectiveness. Under his direction, YouMail launched the Robocall Index in 2015, offering valuable insights into the landscape of robocalls in the United States, a testament to his commitment to consumer protection and technological advancement. Alex’s influence extends beyond his company, serving on advisory boards and recognized as a national authority on robocalls by regulatory bodies and media alike.
Prior to his leadership at YouMail, Alex co-founded and was CEO of Quack, a startup later acquired by AOL, where he served as Vice President and Chief Product Officer, significantly contributing to the growth of AOL's voice services division. He also served as a professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Known for his innovative approach, he has a reputation for bridging advanced research with practical user needs, particularly leveraging artificial intelligence to solve software challenges.