KEY POINTS
- 72% of consumers worry daily about being fooled by deepfakes: In Jumio’s 2024 global identity study (over 8,000 adults in the U.S., UK, Singapore, and Mexico), about 72% of people said they day-to-day worry they could be tricked by a deepfake into handing over money or sensitive info. (Jumio)
- Only 0.1% of people correctly identified all deepfake and real media in a detection test: In a study by iProov of 2,000 U.S. and U.K. participants, just 0.1% correctly distinguished all the real vs. fake media (images/videos). Despite this, over 60% of people said they were confident in their ability to spot deepfakes. (ABA Banking Journal)
- 49% of businesses reported encountering audio/video deepfake fraud in 2024
According to Regula’s “Deepfake Trends 2024” survey, nearly half (49%) of businesses across several countries (USA, UAE, Mexico, Singapore, Germany) were hit by deepfake audio or video scams. This is up from lower rates in previous years. (Regula)
Every October, we celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a time to focus on how each of us can stay safe in our increasingly digital world. This year, one of the biggest emerging threats is deepfake technology—realistic but fake videos, audio, or images created using artificial intelligence (AI).
Deepfakes can make it look or sound like someone said or did something they never did. From impersonating public figures to spreading misinformation or even conducting scams, these manipulated media files are becoming harder to spot. The good news? With a little awareness and a few smart habits, you can protect yourself and your organization from being fooled or exploited by deepfakes.
Below you’ll find three practical ways you can protect yourself from deepfake threats:
1. Question What You See and Hear Online
Not everything that looks real is real. Before believing or sharing any video or audio clip, pause and verify. Ask yourself:
- Who posted this content, and is the source credible?
- Is it being reported by multiple reputable outlets?
- Does the video contain subtle inconsistencies, like unnatural blinking, distorted backgrounds, or mismatched lighting?
You can also use reverse image searches or fact-checking websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or Reuters. Always fact check media and claims to confirm authenticity. Remember: skepticism is your first line of defense.
2. Strengthen Your Digital Literacy
The more you understand about how digital manipulation works, the better equipped you are to detect it. Take time to:
- Follow cybersecurity blogs and educational resources.
- Learn about the latest deepfake detection tools—many of which use AI to analyze videos for tampering.
- Stay alert to new social engineering scams where criminals use deepfakes to impersonate executives, coworkers, or loved ones.
Awareness training isn’t just for cybersecurity professionals—everyone benefits from understanding how digital deception operates.
3. Protect Your Personal Media and Identity
Deepfake creators often rely on real photos, videos, or voice samples pulled from the internet. Limit what you share online to reduce your digital footprint:
- Avoid posting high-quality close-up photos or long video clips that could be used to train AI models.
- Tighten your social media privacy settings.
- Consider using watermarks or subtle identifiers on professional or public videos.
If you discover your likeness or voice has been misused, report it immediately to the platform hosting the content and seek legal or cybersecurity assistance if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Deepfakes are more than just a technological curiosity—they’re a growing cybersecurity risk that can erode trust and spread misinformation. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take the time to educate yourself, verify before sharing, and protect your personal data.
By staying informed and cautious, we can all play a role in safeguarding the truth in the digital age.
Have any questions regarding how to protect yourself from deepfake technology? Contact us and we will be delighted to assist you with your security and privacy needs. Make sure to subscribe to our mailing list to stay up-to-date with our latest security tips and tricks.
Additional Resources