Fraud and defamation using Deepfake technology – recognition and prevention
Deepfake is not only a fraud tool but has also become one of the ways used to defame victims. So how to recognize and avoid this scam? […] from Fraud and defamation using Deepfake technology – recognition and prevention
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Editor
schedule09/09/2023
According to a report from the Information Security Department, fraud by calls using DeepFake and DeepVoice technology is one of the 24 most common forms of fraud as of the first half of 2023. However, Deepfake is not only a fraud tool but has also become one of the ways used to defame victims. So how to recognize and avoid this scam? Let's Anti-Phishing (CLĐ) learn more through the article below.
I. Current status of using Deepfake for fraud and defamation
In the past two years, many applications have appeared on the market that allow users to transplant their faces into a certain context, replacing the face of the person originally in the photo or video. These applications quickly created a wave of response to the "trend" of pairing your face with famous people's faces in photos or videos. To get realistic photos and videos, these applications use a technology called Deepfake.
DeepFake, DeepVoice (or DeepFake Voice) are technologies that apply artificial intelligence (AI) to create audio, image and video technology products that fake real-life objects with very high accuracy. Based on a real-life person's face and voice image file, Deepfake will use algorithms to recreate the face and voice to match the facial expressions and expressions of another person; then create a video that completely impersonates the real-life object.
The ease of completely impersonating an object has quickly become a danger when bad actors take advantage of this to fraudulently appropriate property, create defamatory videos to blackmail victims, etc.
II. Identifying characteristics and fraud tactics
Below are the tactics that scammers often use to attack victims:
Collect images and data:
Scammers collect images of the target person from different sources, including social networks, personal websites, or any public data source.
They may also collect other personal information such as name, address, phone number, etc
Using Deepfake technology:
Scammers use Deepfake technology to create fake images of the target person.
This technology allows them to superimpose the target person's face onto other images or videos, creating new and realistic images.
Create libelous or blackmail content:
Scammers use Deepfake images to create libelous, blackmailing, or fraudulent content.
This can include creating lewd images, embarrassing videos or threatening messages to send to the target person.
Send and threaten the target person:
The scammer sends Deepfake content to the target person, threatening that the fake image will be made public, sent to their family, friends or colleagues if they do not comply with the scammer's demands.
They can demand ransom or take certain actions to prevent the publication of Deepfake images.
Extortion or fraud:
If the victim trusts or is afraid, the scammer may ask the target to transfer a ransom or perform other actions such as providing sensitive images or 18+ photos.
Threats and increased pressure:
The scammer can further threaten and increase the pressure on the target by providing detailed information about the Deepfake attack, such as a list of people to whom they will send the fake image or the consequences. They will face charges if they do not comply with the request.
Creates confusion and anxiety:
Scammers can use imaginary scenarios and situations to create confusion and anxiety in the target person's mind.
They can create the impression that Deepfake images have been transmitted to important people in the target person's life, jeopardizing their reputation and career.
Take advantage of emotions and shyness:
Scammers can take advantage of the target person's emotions and shyness to make them easily believe in the authenticity of Deepfake images and be willing to comply with the scammer's requests.
III. How to recognize and prevent
To avoid becoming a victim, or a potential target, of scammers, you should pay attention to the following issues:
Enhance account security:
Make sure you use strong passwords and maintain security measures for your social media accounts.
Use complex passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and make sure you only share personal information with people you trust.
Check and manage privacy:
Review and update the privacy settings on your social media accounts.
Limit the publication of personal information and ensure that only people you trust have access to your images.
Be wary of sharing photos:
Before sharing your pictures on social media or any online platform, consider its privacy level.
Limit the sharing of sensitive or private personal images publicly.
Verify the caller's identity:
When you receive a call or request personal information over the phone, verify the caller's identity by asking for address information, a contact phone number, or reaching back through another trusted channel.
Consider before complying with the request:
When you receive a request for sensitive information or to perform certain actions, think carefully before complying.
Verify information from a reliable source and do not proceed with any action if there is any doubt.
Review the social media platform's privacy policy:
Before using a social media platform, review and understand its privacy policy.
Ensure that the platform meets privacy protection standards and provides tools and options to control the sharing of personal information and images.
Stay alert and discern information:
Always be wary of images and videos you receive from unreliable sources.
Check their authenticity and origin before trusting and sharing.
Track your online activity:
Periodically check and monitor your online activity to detect any Deepfake images that appear early.
If you detect any fake content related to you, immediately report it to the social media platform to request the content be removed and take necessary measures.
Increase awareness and knowledge:
Learn about Deepfake technology and related precautions.
Update your knowledge of the latest phishing methods and learn to recognize the signs of Deepfake images.
This helps you become more vigilant and reduces the risk of becoming a victim of fraud.
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