Deepfakes are more convincing than ever, and they’re no longer just a concern for celebrities or politicians. SMBs are now being targeted with AI-generated audio and video scams that impersonate CEOs, vendors, and even legal authorities. The good news? With the right training, your employees can learn to spot them.
What Is a Deepfake?
A deepfake is a synthetic media file (usually video, audio, or images) created using artificial intelligence to mimic real people. They’re often used to manipulate viewers into believing false information or acting on fraudulent requests.
Red Flags to Watch For
Visual Red Flags
- Unnatural blinking or facial expressions
- Inconsistent lighting or skin tones
- Mismatched lip-syncing with speech
- Jerky head movements or distorted facial edges
Audio Red Flags
- Robotic or flat tone that lacks natural inflection
- Odd pauses or mechanical-sounding breathing
- Voice tone that doesn’t match the message’s emotion
- Background noise that changes suddenly or sounds artificial
Contextual Red Flags
- Urgent or unusual requests
- Language that feels off or uncharacteristic
- Messages sent outside normal channels
- Requests for immediate money transfers or sensitive data
Training Your Team to Spot Deepfakes
- Host regular deepfake awareness sessions
- Use examples of real and fake content in training
- Encourage a “trust but verify” mindset
- Invest in tools that flag suspicious media and communications
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Deepfakes are just one of many AI-driven threats your business could face. Let us help you assess your current protections and identify simple, cost-effective ways to improve your defenses.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Spotting Deepfakes
Q1: What are the signs of a deepfake video?
Common visual signs include mismatched lip-syncing, unnatural blinking or facial expressions, inconsistent lighting, and jerky head movements.
Q2: How can I tell if a voice message is a deepfake?
Listen for robotic tones, awkward pauses, inconsistent breathing, or emotional tone that doesn’t match the words being spoken.
Q3: What should I do if I receive a suspicious video or voice message?
Always verify the message using a second communication method, report it to your IT team, and never act on urgent requests without confirmation.
