How to protect yourself from Deepfakes? Explained by Digimagg

Deepfakes refer to AI-generated videos or audio designed to manipulate content, often with the intent to deceive. For instance, deepfake generators can craft convincing videos or images depicting celebrities in false scenarios, ranging from fabricated interviews to explicit content. Such manipulation can jeopardize the reputations and credibility of those targeted.

While the entertainment industry is increasingly concerned about the use of deepfake technology, these tools also present risks to consumers by disseminating misinformation and infringing on privacy. It's crucial for consumers to exercise caution online, verify sources, and recognize the potential harm posed by deepfakes.

One strategy to identify deepfakes involves employing deepfake protection tools, which utilize advanced techniques to detect and mitigate the risk of manipulated media content.

Advancements in AI Deepfake technology

As AI deepfake technology advances, the risk of falling victim to scams utilizing them increases. According to Adam Levin, an expert in identity theft, cybersecurity, and fraud, there is no foolproof method to identify a deepfake. However, trusting your instincts is essential. If a phone call or video interaction seems suspicious, it's advisable to end it and verify the person's identity directly. Signs of a deepfake may include unnatural movements, poor audio quality, or unusual responses. Joseph Thacker, a principal AI engineer and security researcher at AppOmni, shares Levin's perspective.

"If you have an online presence with videos and pictures, there’s no foolproof method to prevent someone from creating a deepfake of you," he explains. "The issue resembles other forms of copyrighted material – emphasis should be on regulating usage and distribution, rather than creation. Copyrighted material can be easily generated, replicated, and disseminated by others without the original creator’s consent."

Levin advises that scammers employing deepfakes may minimize communication to avoid detection. If pressured to divulge sensitive information, it's advisable to slow down the conversation and request additional details. "When uncertain, terminate the communication, conduct a Google search for the correct contact information of the party involved, ensuring not to click on sponsored links (which may belong to a scammer), and then contact them directly," he suggests.

10 ways to protect yourself from Deepfakes

Here are expert recommendations for safeguarding against deepfakes.

Dealing with the threat of deepfakes, especially concerning identity theft, presents a significant challenge for the average consumer, notes Jim Kaskade, CEO of Conversica, a company specializing in conversational AI solutions.

However, consumers can implement specific tactics to mitigate the dangers associated with deepfakes.

1. Enhance your knowledge

Empower yourself by becoming familiar with the telltale signs of deepfakes. Look out for indicators like unnatural blinking, inconsistent lighting, and awkward facial expressions or movements.

According to Kaskade, sophisticated consumers can utilize content authentication tools such as Originality.AI, Grover, Kazan SEO, Sapling.ai, Crossplag, and CheckForAI. Additionally, they can explore advanced AI-generated photo and video deepfake tools from companies like Microsoft, Intel, Sentinel, and WeVerify.

2. Exercise caution in sharing

Pavel Goldman-Kalaydin, head of AI/ML at Sumsub, an identity verification and fraud prevention platform, highlights a tenfold increase in detected deepfakes globally across various sectors between 2022 and 2023, with regional variations.

3. Modify Privacy Preferences

Goldman-Kalaydin suggests modifying privacy settings within applications, comprehending the terms and conditions of AI applications, and refraining from sharing high-resolution, unedited photographs that are susceptible to manipulation. These actions aid users in safeguarding their own images.

4. Exercise caution regarding account takeovers

Van de Weyer highlights the possibility of deepfakes spreading through account takeovers, including those of social media accounts. "It's concerning if a random, anonymous social media account disseminates a deepfake," he explains. "However, imagine a scenario where a malicious actor hijacks your account and shares a deepfake portraying you engaging in inappropriate behavior."

This scenario is not implausible. Van de Weyer cites an incident where a scammer seized control of the Securities and Exchange Commission's X account and disseminated false regulatory information. Similar occurrences could transpire on a smaller scale, potentially leading to harassment of a teenager or embarrassment for a business leader.

5. Grasp Reliable Sources

Understanding the origins of information is crucial for users to distinguish between authentic and altered content. Kaskade emphasizes the importance of verifying sources by cross-referencing them with reputable sources, a practice that was relevant even before the advent of GenAI.

6. Apply watermarks to images

To safeguard against deepfakes, users should consider incorporating digital watermarks into their images or videos before sharing them online. These watermarks serve as visible indicators of the original content, aiding in the identification of its source and authenticity. This measure makes it more challenging for malicious actors to present manipulated content as genuine, thus protecting individuals' reputations and privacy.

7. Implement two-factor authentication

Kaskade underscores the enduring relevance of conventional identity theft tactics. Thus, users should prioritize enabling two-factor authentication across all their online accounts to enhance security.

8. Employ advanced security solutions

Kaskade advises utilizing reputable antivirus and anti-malware software equipped with features designed to thwart phishing attempts and detect suspicious activities. Some software offerings now include safeguards against identity theft and can alert users to potential deepfake schemes.

9. Exercise caution with unsolicited communication

When confronted with unexpected requests for personal information or monetary transactions, particularly via digital channels, Kaskade recommends verifying the requester's identity through independent means before responding.

10. Safeguard personal documentation

Kaskade underscores the importance of securely storing sensitive documents like passports or driver's licenses. He advises against sharing copies of such documents unless absolutely necessary, advocating for the use of secure methods when digital sharing is unavoidable.

Additionally, Goldman-Kalaydin suggests safeguarding important documents and disposing of old ones containing personal information by shredding them to prevent unauthorized access.

In conclusion, the emergence of deepfakes presents a fresh challenge in combatting misinformation and character defamation. Nonetheless, adhering to the outlined strategies can aid in protecting your online identity.