Request Remote Control
cyber extortion cyber crime cybersecurity it support it services

Have you seen those videos of celebrities saying something outrageous and later you find out that it was made up and fabricated.

This is a deepfake. This is a rapidly evolving technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI). This is then used to create synthetic media, often in the form of videos or audio recordings that can appear real but are, in reality, manipulated and fake.

People can use deepfakes for creative purposes. Such as satire or entertainment, but their potential for misuse is concerning. Deepfakes have already made it into political campaigns. In 2024 a fake robocall mimicked the voice of a candidate. Scammers wanted to fool people into believing they said something they hadn’t.

Deepfakes can be used to spread misinformation, damage reputations and even manipulate financial markets. They are also used in phishing attacks. Knowing how to spot and identify deepfakes is a crucial skill to have in today’s world.

The different types of deepfakes and how to spot them.

Face-Swapping Deepfakes

This is the most common type. Here the face of one person is seamlessly superimposed onto another’s body in a video. These can be quite convincing, especially with high-quality footage and sophisticated AI algorithms.

Here is how to spot them:

  • Look for inconsistencies: Pay close attention to lighting, skin tones and facial expressions. Do they appear natural and consistent throughout the video? Look for subtle glitches such as hair not moving realistically or even slight misalignments around the face and neck.
  • Check the Source: Where did you encounter the video? Was it on a reputable news site? Be cautious of unverified sources and unknown channels.
  • Listen Closely: Does the voice sound natural? Does it match the persons typical speech patterns? Incongruences in voice tone, pitch or even accent can be giveaways.

 

Deepfake Audio

This type involves generating synthetic voice recordings. They mimic a specific person’s speech patterns and intonations. Scammers can use these to create fake audio messages. As well as make it seem like someone said something they didn’t.

Here is how to spot them:

  • Focus on the audio quality: Deepfake audio can sound slightly robotic or unnatural. This is especially true when compared to genuine recordings of the same person. Pay attention to unusual pauses as well as inconsistent pronunciation or a strange emphasis.
  • Compare the content: Does the content of the audio message align with what the person would say? Consider if the content seems out of character or contradicts known facts.
  • Seek Verification: Is there any independent evidence to support the claims made? If not, approach it with healthy scepticism.

 

Text-based Deepfakes

This is an emerging type of deepfake. It uses AI to generate written content. Such as social media posts, articles, or emails. They mimic the writing style of a specific person or publication. These can be particularly dangerous. Scammers can use these to spread misinformation or impersonate someone online.

Here is how to spot them:

  • Read critically: Pay attention to the writing style, vocabulary and tone. Does it match the way the person or publication typically writes? Look for unusual phrasing, grammatical errors or inconsistencies in tone.
  • Check factual accuracy: Verify the information presented, don’t rely solely on the content itself for confirmation
  • Be wary of emotional triggers: Be cautious of content that evokes strong emotions. Such as fear, anger or outrage. Scammers may be using these to manipulate your judgment.

 

Deepfake Videos with Object Manipulation 

This type goes beyond faces and voices. It uses AI to manipulate objects within real video footage such as changing their appearance or behaviour.

Here is how to spot them:

  • Observe physics and movement: Pay attention to how objects move in the video. Does their motion appear natural and consistent. Look for unnatural movement patterns as well as sudden changes or inconsistencies.
  • Seek original footage: If possible, try to find the original source of the video footage. This can help you compare it to the manipulated version and identify alterations.

 

Staying vigilant and applying critical thinking are crucial in the age of deepfakes.

Familiarise yourself with the different types. Learn to recognise potential red flags. Verify information through reliable sources. These actions will help you become more informed and secure.

Criminals are using deepfakes for phishing. Just by clicking on one you may have downloaded a virus. A device security checkup can give you peace of mind.

Here is another article if you enjoyed this one!