In today’s digital age, the line between reality and fiction is increasingly blurred, thanks to a powerful and controversial technology known as deepfakes. These synthetic media creations, often in the form of videos, are produced using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) techniques like deep learning. This technology enables computers to process data in a manner reminiscent of the human brain, leading to highly realistic manipulations of images, videos, or audio. Consequently, deepfakes can convincingly depict events that never occurred, posing an extreme threat to individuals, small and large-scale businesses, trades, news and media, healthcare, national security, and governments.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on deepfakes, including how to spot them, vet them, report them, and avoid their negative impacts on any business.
Understanding Deepfakes
1. Defining Deepfakes
Deepfakes are created using deep learning algorithms that can manipulate video and audio to depict people saying or doing things they never did. With the increased use of social media, the internet, and cell phones over the last 20+ years, harnessing personal data has never been easier. Unfortunately, this data, especially images, video, and audio can make the creation of deepfakes relatively easy for people with malicious intent.
2. Techniques to Create Deepfakes
Deepfakes are created by training AI models on extensive datasets of images and videos to generate realistic simulations of events or statements. The sources for this data are vast and varied, including news and media content, personal and professional information found on the internet, and social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X). They can also utilize audio messages, videos, and photos shared publicly or even from private devices if the data is not properly encrypted. This broad range of sources provides the raw material needed to produce convincing deepfakes, making it crucial to understand and protect against their potential misuse.
3. Usage of Deepfakes
While deepfakes can be used for entertainment, they are increasingly employed to spread political misinformation, commit fraud, and perpetrate personal defamation. The harmful repercussions of deepfakes are extensive and difficult to control. This, among other cyber liabilities, makes taking action to secure your personal and professional assets from cyber-attacks even more pertinent.
How to Spot Deepfakes
1. Be Skeptical of Visual Anomalies
When consuming any content, especially something that seems shocking, offensive, too good to be true, or fishy, be sure to thoroughly review the imagery or video. Look for unnatural movements, glitches, or inconsistencies around the face and body. This will be a big indicator as to whether or not the content is fabricated.
2. Listen for Audio Cues
When it comes to audio recordings used on their own or with video, check for unnatural pauses, fluctuations in voice tone, or unusual background noise. All of these can signal a red flag that the content could be a deep fake. When in doubt, assume it is until you verify the source or other facts about the subject.
3. Verify the Context of the Content
Speaking of verification, regardless of how the images, video, or audio look or sound, always be sure to cross-check the content with known facts and quality sources to verify its authenticity. Check reputable news sources and channels to confirm the accuracy of how the information is being used. Audio, imagery, and video seen out of context create mass confusion and skepticism. Do not engage with the content until it is confirmed by multiple reputable sources and the context is given.
Vetting and Verifying Content
1. Verify the Source
Confirm the original source of the content and verify if it has been altered in any way. Videos on platforms like social media and YouTube are particularly susceptible to being ripped and manipulated, distorting their context, meaning, intent, and truth. Always cross-check the authenticity of content to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with.
2. Seek Expert Consultation
If you encounter deepfake content directly related to you, your family, or your business, it is crucial to involve experts in digital forensics or AI to analyze the suspicious material. For other content without personal ties, it is best not to engage with it unless it has been verified. Ontech Systems, Inc. has experts who can help you distinguish between legitimate content and deepfakes, ensuring your business remains protected. Talk to us today to learn more.
3. Use Tools to Decipher
Despite their continual evolution, you can use AI-based tools designed to detect deepfakes. Leading tech companies like Microsoft and Intel have developed video verification tools to help combat deepfakes online. Explore different brands and tools to find one that suits your needs, especially if your industry faces frequent issues with deepfakes. At Ontech Systems, Inc., our team of experts leverages the latest technologies to securely verify and protect your business data and digital assets. Book a free Network Discovery Call to get the conversation started.
Reporting Deepfakes
1. Alert Legal Authorities
Report to law enforcement if the deepfake constitutes a threat, fraud, or defamation. This can give the proper authorities the opportunity to act in accordance with laws to ensure you, your business, and the general public remain safe. With many scam operations, reporting is crucial in order to pinpoint the offender in a timely manner.
2. Report Directly on the Platform
Notify the platform hosting the content (e.g., social media) to request its removal. Many platforms have policies against misinformation and usually monitor content closely to prevent deepfakes from circulating. However, some slip through the cracks, so it’s important to alert them immediately.
3. Consult Cybersecurity Experts
Consult cybersecurity professionals, like our team at Ontech Systems, Inc., for advice on mitigating potential risks. We can provide you with real-time tips and actions to safeguard yourself and your business from various cyberthreats, including deepfakes. Our professionals offer tailored strategies to protect your digital assets and ensure your security in an increasingly digital world.
Avoiding Impact on Business
1. Create Employee Awareness
When it comes to your business, cybersecurity is an essential investment you can’t afford to overlook. One way to invest in cybersecurity for your business is through employee training and education. Educate your employees about the existence of deepfakes and the potential risks they pose. Create a protocol for vetting sources and posting on social media for your business. Teach them how to safely navigate social media, new sources, email, video exposure, and other internet-based platforms and tools that could potentially have deepfakes.
2. Offer Media Training
This is especially crucial for businesses involved in public relations. Train your spokespeople in media literacy and content verification before sharing. Implement a thorough proofing process for anything going to press, on your website, on your business’s social media, and other channels. Establish a clear protocol for your team to follow in case an issue arises.
3. Enable Secure Communication
Ultimately, a robust cybersecurity infrastructure is your first line of defense against deepfakes in your business. Implement secure channels for handling sensitive information to prevent leaks and misuse. Do not neglect data protection and privacy! And be sure to stay up to date on all laws and regulations regarding data privacy compliance for businesses.
Set up a free Network Discovery call with our team to better understand your business’ cybersecurity risks and how best to patch them for optimal security.
Additional Considerations
1. Advocate for Legal Protections
As a business, you can advocate for legislation and policies that address deepfake misuse and provide legal recourse. This is a simple yet powerful way to influence the policies and regulations around the ever-evolving advancements in technology and how they impact businesses and individuals.
2. Invest in Technology Solutions
Addressing the problem requires investing in solutions that can combat it. While AI techniques are used to create deepfakes, AI can also be employed to counteract them. Invest in AI tools designed to detect and prevent the creation and spread of deepfakes.
3. Plan for Crisis Management
Develop protocols for responding to and mitigating the impact of deepfake incidents. Train your employees on the policies and protocols in place to ensure communication is strong and nimble should a deepfake incident occur.
Next Steps
By staying informed and proactive, businesses can mitigate the risks associated with deepfakes and safeguard their reputation, employees, and stakeholders from potential harm. Partnering with Ontech Systems, Inc. can help identify and address vulnerabilities in your cybersecurity infrastructure, providing you with peace of mind amid ongoing technological advancements. Set up a free Network Discovery call today to get the conversation started.
