We’ve all heard about deepfakes – those eerily realistic videos that can make anyone appear to say anything. However, the danger extends beyond just altered faces: scammers are now using deepfakes to mimic voices in advanced phishing attacks.
This week, a LastPass employee almost fell for a scam involving a deepfake of the CEO’s voice. The scammer, impersonating the CEO, tried to pressure the employee into taking unauthorized actions. Fortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, but it underscores the increasing risk of deepfakes in social engineering.
Why are deepfakes so scary?
- They sound incredibly real. Deepfake technology can imitate voices so accurately that it’s hard to tell the difference between a genuine call and a fake one.
- They create urgency. Scammers frequently use deepfakes in phishing attacks to rush the victim into acting quickly. This urgency can cloud your judgment and increase the likelihood of falling for their tricks.
- They erode trust. Deepfakes can undermine trust in online or phone communications, setting the stage for more scams in the future.
How can I protect myself?
To protect yourself from falling victim to deepfake scams, consider implementing the following strategies:
- Verify the source: Always confirm the identity of the caller or sender through an independent means, such as calling them back on a known, official number.
- Be skeptical of urgency: If someone pressures you to make a quick decision or action, especially involving sensitive information or financial transactions, take a moment to pause and think.
- Educate yourself and others: Stay informed about the latest phishing tactics and deepfake technology. The more aware you are, the better you can protect yourself.
- Use secure communication channels: Whenever possible, use encrypted or verified communication platforms, particularly for important conversations.
- Implement security protocols: Businesses should establish clear protocols for handling sensitive requests, such as multifactor authentication and secondary verification.
By staying vigilant and informed, you can significantly reduce the risk of being deceived by deepfake scams.
See you soon!
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2 Responses
This is a good reminder to be vigilant about cybersecurity threats, even for those in high-ranking positions. Thanks your your post.
Thanks for your comment