Unwrapping the Cyberthreat of Deepfake videos this holiday season

As the holiday season approaches, the digital world becomes flooded with positive messages, warm greetings, and entertaining content. However, this is a perfect time for cybersecurity threats like deepfake videos to take over.

What are deepfake videos?

Deepfake videos are manipulated videos that use artificial intelligence (AI) to replace a person's face or voice with someone else's, creating highly realistic but fake content. You might have seen videos on TikTok of Kanye West singing Rihanna's songs; AI is used to make these videos. 

Although it's fun to hear various artists sing different songs, these hyper-realistic manipulations can deceive and exploit individuals during this celebratory time.

The Krampus of Deepfakes:

Deepfake technology is evolving, and cybercriminals have new tools to exploit unsuspecting individuals. When this AI technology first came out, the intentions were positive; however, now deepfakes are used to infiltrate our personal lives, compromise our trust, and jeopardize our cybersecurity. During the holiday season, when people are more inclined to connect with loved ones via digital platforms, the risks associated with deepfakes become significantly high.

Unwrapping the Cybersecurity Risks:

Phishing: Cybercriminals often leverage phishing attacks during the holiday season to trick users into revealing sensitive information. Deepfake videos can enhance these attacks by employing personalized messages from seemingly trustworthy sources. For example, a deepfake video may appear from a loved one urging the receiver to click on a malicious link or disclose personal details.

Holiday Scams: The holiday season is notorious for tempting online sales and discounts. Hackers can use deepfake videos to create convincing advertisements for non-existent or counterfeit products. Unsuspecting shoppers may fall victim to these scams, leading to financial losses and compromised data.

To Stay Cyber-Secure during the Holiday Season:

1. Verify the Source

2. Strengthen Digital Literacy

3. Exercise Caution with Links and Downloads

4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

5. Report Suspicious Content

As we celebrate the holiday season and connect digitally with loved ones, we must stay vigilant against cyberattacks and the threat of deepfake videos. Remember to verify sources before trusting information; when in doubt, err on caution. We can ensure a warm and joyful holiday season by prioritizing online safety. 

Stay safe, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!