THE RISE OF DEEPFAKES: Implications for Cybersecurity and Authenticity

 

AI has changed the trajectory of the current and future eras forever. However, it is in a constant game of tug-of-war with cybersecurity over its technologies' use—or misuse—and the recent round of push-and-pull features deepfakes. Even though deepfake technology is not a new contender, it is rapidly garnering both attention and notoriety. While deepfakes exude limitless potential in entertainment and enterprise applications, this AI-powered tool also leaves cybersecurity vulnerable to unauthorized audio, image, and video alteration.

 

Deepfakes: Rise and Technology 

 

The rise of deepfakes can be traced back to generative AI. This technology operates on two algorithms—one generates datasets based on the result to create fake content, and the other gauges the similarities between the original and its clone. When the two algorithms merge, they make a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) that leverages deep learning tools to identify the features and patterns of real content and uses them to manipulate it. GAN analyzes images from various angles to capture every perspective and replicate speech patterns, facial expressions, and movements.

 

How Deepfake Technology Threatens Cybersecurity and Authenticity

 

Business Fraud

Deepfake technology has joined the ranks of AI tools that can cause significant damage upon falling into the wrong hands. Scammers use deepfakes to create synthetic clones of existing team members or employees to replicate their voice and pose as an office superior, causing deception. It leads to data breaches, leakage of secrets, and unauthorized access to stock information and personal data of employees and clients, disrupting the organizational supply chain.

Phishing 

Phishing is one of the most common cyber threats. However, with deepfake technology gaining negative press, businesses are on the lookout for deepfake scams. When disinformation meets phishing, deepfake tools deceive employees into voluntarily making unauthorized monetary exchanges or divulging sensitive information. Taking phishing a step further, scammers impersonated Patrick Hillmann, Binance’s chief communications officer at Binance, using deepfake technology to create his AI hologram and trick people into joining meetings under pretenses.

Shallowfakes 

Shallowflakes are a subset of deepfakes. While the latter uses deep neural networks to pose cybersecurity threats, shallowflakes doctor existing media using editing tools, such as voice editors or photo filters. Often used during political campaigns to spread misinformation, shallowflakes have also begun infiltrating the business landscape.

 

Wrapping Up

AI and deepfakes have set a wrong precedent for scammers, hackers, and fraudsters to commit identity thefts, business fraud, and phishing scams. These risks pose cybersecurity threats and require organizations and security heads to remain vigilant. Deepfake threats can be mitigated by increasing awareness, implementing tighter authentication and identity verification methods, employing deepfake and fraud detection technologies, and training employees to remain alert. Dispelling misinformation and staying proactive is the key to strengthening cybersecurity and preventing deepfake technology misuse.