Brian Millis
We are in an era where video communication is everywhere from a work conference call to our social media newsfeeds. But can you always trust what you are seeing or who you are communicating with? Deepfake technology, fueled by machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) creates convincing fake videos by combining real images and video with fabricated content, making it difficult to determine if what you are watching is real or fake. Understanding the implications of deep fakes and how they can impact your financial security is essential.
What is Deepfake Technology?
Deepfakes use sophisticated algorithms to manipulate videos, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fabricated content. The fake video could contain real content, fake content, and even combine imagery of one person with the voice of another. For instance, there are apps that allow users to replace a celebrity's face with their own, creating seemingly authentic videos. But how does this relate to your well-being?
The Risks
As you can imagine, there are many ways that people can utilize this technology for the wrong reasons. One example could be using a celebrity's likeness to spread fake information. However, celebrity's are not the only ones with a risk - this tech can also be used to mimic business executives, sales people, tech support, and even human resource teams. Here are a few scenarios:
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Cybercriminals Impersonating Executives: Imagine receiving a call or voicemail from your company's "President/CEO" asking for confidential information or a funds transfer. The voice sounds genuine, but it could be a criminal using deepfake technology to spoof their voice. Always verify such requests through a trusted channel.
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Family Emergency Scams: What if a family member called you saying they were "in trouble" and urgently needed money? How would you know it's a true emergency or a deepfake scam? Establish a secret "code word" with your family to verify authenticity.
Today, people share so much of their lives online that it can be easy for fraudsters to find pictures and videos that capture information that can be used against you or your family. Some programs only need a few words to capture a dialect or accent. Once the bad guys have that information, they can create a voicemail or video conference to misrepresent you.
Staying Safe
Here are a few tips on how you can protect yourself:
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Be skeptical. Question videos or calls that seem too good to be true or controversial. Video technology is much more sophisticated and deepfake technology has evolved beyond obvious visual clues.
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Verify sources. Ensure the video or call is coming from a legitimate source. Check official websites, verified social media profiles, and known email addresses and phone numbers.
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Pause and think. Before taking action, pause, breathe, and consider the situation. Trust your instincts and verify if something feels off. In the example of the "President/CEO", ask to call them back on the phone number you have or ask to meet in person. In the family emergency scenario, verify with the family code word or a ask question only the real person would know the answer to.
Remember, as technology advances, so do the risks. Don't let the cybercriminals get the best of you. Stay informed, be vigilant, and protect your financial well-being.
