AI is moving fast—redefining everything from client presentations to conceptual renderings. For architecture firms in Salt Lake City, the promise of AI is exciting: faster modeling, better visuals, and more efficient workflows. But here’s the flip side: cybercriminals are using the same tools.
With high-value intellectual property, multi-million-dollar contracts, and distributed project teams, architecture firms are becoming prime targets. That’s why IT support for architecture firms in Salt Lake City needs to be smarter, faster, and more secure than ever.
Here are the real threats your firm should be watching for:
Doppelgängers in Your Design Reviews: Beware of Deepfakes
Deepfake tech isn’t science fiction anymore. It’s being used right now to infiltrate design teams and steal sensitive information.
Imagine this: You hop onto a Zoom call with what looks like a principal from a partnering firm. They tell you to download a new plug-in to "improve rendering quality." You install it.
The plug-in opens your mic, your system, and your client files to a cyberattack.
This exact scenario has happened—and architectural firms are now reassessing how they verify identity in virtual meetings. Look for inconsistencies:
- Odd lighting or facial lag.
- Pauses in conversation or misaligned lip sync.
- Requests to install unverified extensions.
Deepfakes are getting harder to detect. Your IT services provider should be preparing your team with real-world training on how to spot them.
Phishing That Speaks Your Language: AI-Written Scams
Phishing emails used to be easy to spot. Broken grammar, weird links, obvious red flags. Not anymore.
Cybercriminals are using AI to craft near-perfect emails that look like internal memos or client updates. Even worse, they can mimic your firm’s writing style and translate it across multiple languages—perfect for multi-national design teams.
Some recent phishing attempts have targeted:
- Architecture firms' accounts payable teams with fake invoice links.
- Remote project managers with urgent security updates.
Protect your firm with:
- MFA (multifactor authentication) on every login.
- Security training for all team members—including how to verify links and senders.
- Email filtering set up by an architecture-focused IT company that understands your workflows.
Good IT support in Salt Lake City won’t just install antivirus software. It’ll teach your team how to think critically when the pressure is on.
Skeleton Tools in Disguise: Fake AI Downloads
AI is the new shiny object in architecture. Everyone wants the latest rendering tool or plug-in that promises faster turnaround and photorealistic visuals. But some of these "tools" are just malware in disguise.
Hackers are packaging malware inside fake AI software—like phony BIM extensions or cracked versions of generative design apps. Some even show partial functionality to keep you fooled.
One example? A malware campaign disguised as a cracked version of ChatGPT that used PowerShell commands to gain remote access.
Before installing any new design tool, ask:
- Has our IT provider vetted this software?
- Does it come from a verified developer or marketplace?
- Are we using licensing that’s tracked and managed?
A strong managed IT services provider will protect you from curiosity clicks that lead to real damage.
Ready to Keep AI from Becoming a Design Nightmare?
AI doesn’t have to be a threat. But as the technology evolves, so do the risks. From deepfakes in client meetings to fake design tools, the threats are real.
At Qual IT, we specialize in cybersecurity and IT services for architecture firms in Salt Lake City. We understand your workflows, software stack, and project deadlines—and we know how to keep them protected.
Click here to book your free network assessment.
Let’s make sure your AI adoption moves your firm forward—without opening the door to cyber threats.
