The recent 25 million dollar Hong Kong Deepfake scam has shocked everyone and concerns regarding deep fake scams are on the rise. Fraudsters used AI to pose as the chief financial officer of the company and get the funds transferred. The whole scam began with a phishing email. Well, this might look like another headline in the first instance but can become anyone’s sad reality. That’s why it is better to prepare yourself to avoid falling prey to such scams.

Deep fakes - what are they?

Deep fakes are synthetic videos or images created using Artificial Intelligence or AI. The faces and voices of individuals are inserted in deep fake videos and the ultimate aim is to make them look realistic so that they can be used for cyber fraud. The images or videos required for creating these videos mostly come from social media platforms leading to identity theft.

Safeguard yourself with these tips and tricks

Both individuals and organizations become victims of deep fake cyber frauds. Here are a few considerations that can help in dealing with deep fakes:

Awareness is the key

Being aware is the sole basis of all the steps you will take to keep yourself safe. If you have an organization, it is equally important to ensure that your team is well-versed with all the updates regarding deep fakes and other similar frauds.

Taking action against phishing emails

The above-mentioned Hong Kong-based deep fake scam began with a phishing email. Identifying and blocking such emails can be of great help. Also, verifying emails using authenticity channels is a must-do for business and personal emails.

Following the required cybersecurity protocols

Investing in top-notch cybersecurity tools and adhering to protocols can also help in detecting and preventing deep fake scams. Various agencies across the globe offer Tools that make deep fake identification easier.

Invest in workshops and trainings

Keeping an eye on everything related to cybercrime can be daunting. Here, you can get help from cybersecurity experts. They offer programs and workshops to learn about emerging trends in the industry.

Furthermore, we too have some quick tips you can consider:

• Avoid answering unknown calls or texts, check twice if there’s any financial detail involved.
• Be aware of links, don't click them blindly.
• Use updated and legitimate software, and don’t allow applications from suspicious sources.
• Update your passwords and have two-factor authentication enabled for all your accounts.
• Know more ezivote