Deepfake AI – Protect against it with MFA

Protecting Against Deepfakes

AI technology is advancing rapidly, particularly in creating deepfake videos and audio. With just a snippet of speech and some video footage, anyone can become a target for deepfake phishing attempts. Just like traditional phishing, criminals are constantly finding new ways to deceive us.

For example, a multinational company lost $25 million due to a deepfake video conference that involved their C-level executives. This incident highlights that the threat extends beyond businesses; individuals are also at risk. Deepfakes can target families, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant in both professional and personal contexts.

Tips to Protect Yourself:

1. Establish a Verification Word: Create a secret word to share with your family and trusted colleagues. This should be used anytime someone claims to be you, whether via email, text, phone call, or video conference.
2. Verify Communication Separately: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the person they’re pretending to be using a different method. Don’t be swayed by threats to stay on the line. Use this approach for instant messages and emails as well—never reply directly; instead, start a new conversation or make a phone call. Remember to incorporate your verification word for added security.
3. Look for Red Flags:
   • Money Requests: Be wary of any unexpected financial requests, like those from a “long-lost relative.”
   • Urgency: Messages that create a sense of emergency should raise alarms.
   • Sensitive Information Requests: Be cautious if someone asks for private details.

A Personal Anecdote:

This caution is especially vital for the elderly. For instance, my father, despite being of sound mind, received a call from someone claiming to be my son. The caller said he had been arrested in Mexico City for DUI and urgently needed $2,500 for bail, instructing my father to keep it confidential. Fortunately, he hesitated and ultimately didn’t send the money. At the time, my actual son was just twelve years old and at school in the U.S.

By staying informed and using these protective measures, we can better defend ourselves against deepfake threats.

Great video on the deepfake loss of 25 million.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF0nQKTfBiI