Should You be Concerned with Deepfakes?
Deepfakes use AI and machine-learning to make it seem like someone is saying something they never actually said. This technology, like any other, can be used for good or bad. For instance, David Beckham used AI to speak nine languages in a malaria awareness campaign. Conversely, pornographic deepfakes of Taylor Swift went viral on X, and audio deepfakes of Biden caused concern among experts.
Deepfakes aren’t happening only to high-profile politicians and celebrities—they are quickly making their way into the workplace. In April 2023, forensics research company Regula reported that 1/3 of businesses worldwide had already been attacked by deepfake audio (37%) and video (29%) fraud. Regula also noted that the average cost of identity fraud, including deepfakes, for SMBs is $200,000.
How Deepfakes Are Impacting the Workplace
While deepfake technology is used to commit a variety of crimes, there are two ways they currently cause harm to businesses: (1) identity/impersonation fraud schemes, and (2) harm to company reputation.
One of the most common deepfake attacks is when AI impersonates an executive’s voice to steal credentials or request money transfers from employees. Other attacks include deepfake videos or audio of a CEO or employee used to disseminate false information online that could negatively affect a brand. More than 40% of businesses have already experienced a deepfake attack, according to authentication experts at ID R&D.
What to Do About It
There are a few simple things you can do to prevent deepfakes from having damaging consequences on your business:
- Review Technology and Communication Policies: Ensure transparent communication practices and make sure your team knows how communications are handled internally. Employees should be suspicious of unusual requests for money or information and verify any uncertain email or phone requests.
- Incorporate Deepfake Spotting in Cybersecurity Training: Teach employees how to spot deepfakes, such as unnatural eye blinking, blurry face borders, artificial-looking skin, slow speech, and unusual intonation.
- Develop a Response Plan: Prepare for future deepfake attacks by discussing how to respond if an attack occurs. Although there’s no perfect solution yet, being unprepared is the worst scenario.
Be proactive and have a plan to combat deepfakes! IT Radix is here to help. Give us a call to schedule cybersecurity awareness training for your employees today.
First published in our October 2024 IT Radix Resource newsletter