1 in 3 Businesses Targeted by Deepfake Scams: Expert Tips for Protection

1 in 3 Businesses Targeted by Deepfake Scams: Expert Tips for Protection

1 in 3 Businesses Targeted by Deepfake Scams: Expert Tips for Protection

Expert Gives You Strategies to Detect and Combat Deepfake Attacks

A staggering 1 out of every 3 businesses have fallen victim to deepfake frauds according to a 2023 report. With deepfake technology becoming increasingly advanced and accessible, it’s imperative for businesses to arm themselves with knowledge to safeguard against this pervasive threat.

Trevor Cooke, the online privacy expert at EarthWeb, offers expert guidance on defense strategies.

Deepfake Scams Pose a Growing Threat to Businesses

From impersonating executives to fabricating endorsements, these deepfake scams can wreak havoc on a company’s reputation and financial stability. Using them, scammers can impersonate high level employees to give bogus orders, or create fake marketing materials encouraging customers to call scam phone numbers or send money to scammer’s bank accounts. As deepfake technology continues to evolve, the risks posed to businesses only intensify. 

Key Tips to Help Organizations Protect Themselves

Educate Employees: Trevor advises, ‘One of the best things you can do is to train staff members to recognize the signs of deepfake content, such as inconsistencies in speech patterns or unnatural movements in videos. Encourage skepticism and caution when interacting with unfamiliar or suspicious communications.’

Implement Authentication Measures: Utilize multi-factor authentication and encryption protocols to secure sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access to company systems and accounts.

Verify Identities: Establish clear verification procedures for verifying the identities of individuals in digital communications, especially those involving sensitive transactions or requests for financial information. Trevor says, ‘This can include establishing a password or phrase to verify another employee’s identity, or using password-protected and secure software to hand over or discuss sensitive information.’ Never give out any sensitive information by email, text, or a messaging service. If you can, communicate face-to-face so you can be absolutely sure of who you’re speaking to.

Stay Informed: Keep abreast of emerging trends and developments in deepfake technology and cybersecurity so you know what new tricks scammers are using. Regularly update security protocols and policies to adapt to evolving threats.

Invest in Detection Tools: Consider investing in advanced AI-powered detection tools that can identify and flag potential instances of deepfake content before they cause harm.

Guarding Against the Deepfake Threat

Trevor says, ‘The proliferation of deep fake scams poses a significant threat to businesses worldwide. As deepfake technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, it’s crucial for organizations to remain vigilant and proactive in defending against these fraudulent schemes.’ 

ENDS

About EarthWeb

Earthweb helps you discover the best research guides and resources for tech and online privacy. Their mission is to help you simplify processes and make informed buying decisions.

Trevor Cooke is the online privacy expert at EarthWeb. His personal mission is to help keep consumers safe by keeping them informed of privacy tips and common online scams.

Methodology

The statistic about the number of businesses hit with deepfake fraud was taken from a study by Regula.