One of the latest tech security concerns is the advent of deepfakes. A deepfake is a sophisticated form of digital manipulation that uses AI to create convincing yet entirely fabricated audio, video, or images, often leading to deceptive or misleading representations of individuals and events.
As recently as February 4, 2024, an international Hong Kong firm lost over $25 million to an online deepfake scammer on a conference call, currently one of the largest successful deepfake thefts on record. This is uncharted territory and we will see many developments and more money lost worldwide in the coming months and years. As this technology gets more sophisticated, so too will security evolve.
Protect yourself from deepfakes
- stay vigilant by verifying the authenticity of content you receive
- use secure and unique passwords to minimize the risk of identity theft or account hacking
- be cautious about sharing personal information online
- employ reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to detect and prevent potential threats
- utilize Nexstream 360 for AI protection
Even with these protections in place, scammers rely on users to make mistakes and allow themselves to be taken advantage of. It’s up to online users to to stay aware of potential deepfakes and verify anything received online.
Signs of a deep fake
- Inconsistencies in facial expressions or movements
- Blurry or unusual edges
- Inconsistent Lighting and Shadows that don’t match the environment
- Abnormal eye contact
- Unnatural audio with discrepancies between visual elements like mismatched tone
- Lack of blinking or odd blinking patterns
- Unusual glitches or distortions
- Inconsistent background
- Contextual anomalies that seem out of character or context
- Watermarks and logos
As this technology grows it’s essential to stay aware of new developments to keep ahead of scammers. For now, AI security and online vigilance are the best tools we have to combat this new world of deepfake hackers and scammers.