Defense Against the Fastest Growing Threat in 2024: AI Deepfakes

In recent years, the term “deepfake” has entered the lexicon of both cybersecurity experts and the general public. Here’s what they are and why you should care about them.

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What Exactly is a Deepfake?

In technical terms, deepfakes are hyper-realistic digital forgeries created using artificial intelligence (AI). By leveraging machine learning algorithms, particularly Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), these technologies produce convincing images, videos, and audio recordings that mimic real people - nearly flawlessly.

Put more simply—

Deepfakes are videos or audio recordings created by computer programs that mimic how people look, move, and talk in a very (disturbingly) realistic way. A deepfake video can reproduce your facial movements, eye blinks, and even the unique way you speak, making the forgery almost indistinguishable from the real you. Audio deepfakes can mimic your voice with such accuracy that they can be used to create realistic phone conversations or voice messages.

The implications of such technology are vast and far-reaching. On one hand, it has the potential to revolutionize industries such as entertainment and virtual reality by enabling the creation of lifelike digital characters and immersive experiences. On the other hand, it poses significant security risks, as malicious actors can use deepfakes to deceive and manipulate individuals and organizations.

And contrary to what one might assume, creating a deepfake is not prohibitively expensive or technically out of reach. In fact, user-friendly applications and open-source software have democratized the ability to produce deepfakes, making it accessible even to those with limited technical expertise. Some are developing them for as low as $5 on the platform, Fiverr.

What are the Most Common Uses of Deepfakes?

Initially, deepfake technology found a place in entertainment, such as face-swapping apps and humorous videos. Social media platforms have also seen an influx of deepfake content, often created for parody or artistic expression. However, the potential for misuse is significant, and it has quickly caught the attention of malicious actors.

Cybercriminals and malicious actors have started using deepfake technology for various attacks, from financial fraud to sophisticated social engineering schemes. These attacks exploit the high level of realism that deepfakes provide, making it difficult for traditional security measures to detect and prevent them. Through methods like social media and phishing emails deepfakes became the fastest growing threat of 2023.

What Are the Deepfake Impacts on Your Business?

A number of high-profile crimes have occurred due to these deepfakes in a relatively short amount of time, with 64% of finance professionals in the UK and US targeted - and 43% falling victim. One alarming example involved a deep fake video call that resulted in a $25 million wire transfer to fraudulent bank accounts. Despite this rising danger, only 40% of organizations prioritize deepfake protection.

A more recent case underscores the importance of properly enforced security policies. In April 2024, an employee was targeted by an actor impersonating the company’s CEO. The attacker attempted to bring the employee into a video call using WhatsApp, an application not used within the organization. Raising suspicion, the employee reported the call, and the attack was thwarted. In many cases, it won’t be a robust security policy using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and out-of-band verification processes that stop these attacks - It will be the end users.

The Role Mobile Devices Play in Deepfake Usage

As mobile devices become increasingly integral to personal and professional lives, they also become targets for deepfake-enabled attacks. Several young people have become victims of cyberbullying utilizing deepfake tactics via mobile device. Do a simple internet search and you’ll find dozens of mobile-friendly deepfake applications to make it happen.

On a technological level, mobile biometrics, such as facial recognition and voice authentication, are particularly vulnerable. Deepfake technology can create realistic forgeries that deceive these systems, potentially granting unauthorized access to sensitive information.

The Staggering and Concerning Deepfake Statistics

The rise of deepfakes poses a significant threat to businesses worldwide, with the number of deepfake videos online skyrocketing by 550% from 2021 to 2023. This alarming trend is further compounded by the fact that one-third of global businesses have already encountered voice or video deepfake fraud, showcasing the ease with which malicious actors can now exploit this technology. Particularly concerning is the Asia-Pacific region, which saw a 1530% increase in deepfake incidents between 2022 and 2023, accentuating the global reach and accelerating danger of this technological threat. These statistics highlight the urgent need for businesses to adopt advanced security measures to protect themselves from the growing menace of deepfakes.

Mitigation Strategies

Addressing the threat of deepfakes requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are 3 key ones to consider for your organization:

1. Red team testing is an essential strategy for organizations to identify vulnerabilities in their security posture. By simulating attacks, including those using deepfake technology, red teams can help organizations understand their weaknesses and improve their defenses.
2. Proper security policies are also crucial. Your organization should implement and enforce stringent authentication processes that go beyond traditional biometric verification. MFA is a vital component, ensuring that even if one authentication method is compromised, additional layers of security remain intact.
3. Finally, incorporating deepfake training into your security awareness programs is another critical step. Your employees should be educated about the existence and risks of deepfake technology, learning to recognize potential deepfake attempts and follow best practices for verification. This training can significantly enhance your team’s ability to detect and respond to deepfake threats.

Conclusion

Addressing the rise of deepfakes is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of your organization. Integrating deepfake mitigation into security policies, testing, and awareness training is essential to staying ahead of this evolving threat. You need to incorporate advanced detection technologies and establish comprehensive protocols to detect and respond to deepfake attempts swiftly. This includes regular updates to security policies to reflect the latest deepfake trends and threats, ensuring all your employees are aware of the risks and are trained to identify potential deepfake attacks.

Avoiding any policy where a deepfake could be a single point of failure is paramount. You must implement multi-layered security measures that do not rely solely on one form of authentication or verification. For instance, combining biometric verification with behavioral analysis and other forms of multi-factor authentication can create a more resilient defense against deepfake threats. This approach reduces the risk of a single vulnerability being exploited by deepfake technology.

VikingCloud offers specialized services to assist organizations in developing robust security policies and conducting thorough security testing. With expertise in red team testing and penetration testing, we help identify and address potential vulnerabilities that deepfakes might exploit. Our consultants can provide tailored advice and strategies to enhance your organization’s security posture, ensuring you are well-prepared to combat the sophisticated threats posed by deepfakes.

For comprehensive support in strengthening your defenses against deepfakes, reach out to us.