What is a deepfake?

The term “deepfake” refers to multimedia that has either been synthetically created or manipulated using some form of machine or deep learning (artificial intelligence) technology. 

What’s the big deal?

Knowing audio, video or images can be easily produced by using artificial intelligence as deepfakes, can you still trust what you see or hear?

On a small scale, deepfakers can, for example, create personalized videos that appear to show a relative asking for a large sum of money to help them out of an emergency and send them to unsuspecting victims, thereby scamming innocents at an unprecedented level. 

At a business level, deepfakes can be used to fool employees into making unauthorized payments or volunteering sensitive information. It often begins with an audio deepfake of a trusted figure in the organization. The criminal, disguised as the figurehead, will reach out via web conferencing or voicemail, then follow up with other forms of social engineering, such as email or voicemail, using a sense of urgency to pressure employees into releasing funds or data.

On a large scale, fake videos of important world leaders stating made-up claims could incite violence and even war.

​​Tips to mitigate deepfake risks

While there are technical solutions available to help detect deepfakes, they can’t identify all of them.  Human vigilance remains the most critical protection.  

1. The first step is to pause and ask if the request is out of normal process?
2. The second step is to examine the current state of deepfake videos and look for these warning signs: 

• • Abrupt movements
  • Unnatural facial expressions
  • Brightness shifts from frame to frame
  • Skin color shifts
  • Weird blinking or no blinking at all
  • Mismatched audio and visual elements

3. For requests out of the ordinary process, validate with the person by using a different channel of communication.
4. Provide positive reinforcement when employees spot and report suspicious activities.

The awareness and understanding of deepfake technology are essential in mitigating its potential harm. By staying informed, remaining vigilant, and advocating for responsible use of digital media, businesses and individuals can contribute to the collective effort in combating the risk of deepfakes. As we navigate the evolving digital landscape, fostering a culture of critical thinking and digital literacy is paramount in addressing the challenges posed by deepfake technology.