Deepfake technology and scams are becoming more prevalent. Chances are, you’ve heard the term ‘deepfake’ pop up in tech discussions at one point or another. The best way to protect yourself from deepfake scams is to stay informed. We’ve gathered some information to help you understand and avoid falling for these scams.
What is Deepfake?
A deepfake is an AI-generated piece of media, usually a photo, video, or audio clip that’s designed to mimic real people. While some deepfakes are easy to spot as fake (with awkward movements or distorted features), more advanced ones can be nearly indistinguishable from genuine media.
Deepfakes are created through artificial neural networks that imitate the human brain called deep learning. To put it simply, deep learning algorithms gather large amounts of online data to create the deepfake media.
The Dangers of Deepfakes
Deepfake scams aren’t new, but in the last few years they’ve gained traction as a tool used by cybercriminals. Specifically in the workplace, deepfake technology can be used to impersonate members within the company in order to gain access to credentials or other sensitive information.
Imagine receiving a convincing video chat from an executive at your company urgently asking for a wire transfer, or a phone call from IT support requesting your login credentials. On the surface, if it appears and sounds legitimate, you might comply without question and be unaware you’ve just handed sensitive data to a cybercriminal!
How to Identify a Deepfake
Deepfake detection methods aren’t foolproof, but they can help you spot red flags:
- Images or Videos: Watch for awkward facial movements, strange blinking patterns, or mismatched lip-syncing. Inconsistent lighting or distortions (like extra fingers) can also be giveaways. If you’re unsure, compare the suspicious footage with known, legitimate media of the same person.
- Audio Clips: Listen closely for odd pauses, unnatural speech patterns, or a slightly “robotic” tone. When something feels off, trust your instincts.
If you have direct access to the individual allegedly contacting you, verify through another route (such as a phone call, chat tool, or official email) before responding to any requests.
Here is a quick “Spot the Deepfake“ quiz. See if you’re able to differentiate between the real media and the deepfake. It’s trickier than you might think!
How to protect yourself
- Limit Your Social Media Footprint
The more photos, videos, and audio clips of you that are publicly available, the easier it is for someone to build a convincing deepfake of you. Share sparingly and lock down your profiles so only trusted contacts can view your content. - Keep a Security Mindset
Basics still matter:- Use strong, unique passwords and a reputable password manager.
- Turn on multi‑factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
- Treat unexpected links, attachments, or “urgent” requests with suspicion, and verify through a separate channel before acting.
- Stay Informed
Deepfake tactics evolve quickly. Follow trustworthy cybersecurity news sources (like the Securus blog!) so you know what new scams look like and how they work. You can’t defend against a threat you’ve never heard of, so a little awareness goes a long way.
The Future of Deepfake Technology
Although deepfakes aren’t yet the go to weapon for cybercriminals, that gap is closing fast. Manually spotting fake media is becoming harder than what the eye can catch. AI can power amazing innovations, but in the wrong hands, it also gives scammers new ways to mislead us.
What the future holds when it comes to AI-generated technology is still unclear, so it’s up to us to stay vigilant and question the media we consume.
At Securus, we know keeping up with new scams can feel overwhelming. If something suspicious crosses your screen, let us know! We’re happy to help you sort it out and give you some peace of mind.
Stay safe, stay Securus!
