Six Signs You’re Being Tricked by Dangerous Deepfakes and How to Stay Safe

In an era dominated by advanced technology, the rise of deepfake threats is something everyone should be aware of. Cybersecurity experts have uncovered six telltale signs that could help you spot these deceptive creations and protect yourself from falling victim to malicious activities.

The Eerie ‘Shadow’ Clue

Deepfakes, synthetic media generated by artificial intelligence, are often used by cybercriminals to create fake photos, videos, and audio content that imitate a victim. To help you identify these digital manipulations, cybersecurity experts suggest paying attention to the context around the content. Fake images rarely appear alone; there’s usually accompanying text or articles. Inspect the text for typos, poor grammar, and overall composition. While AI-generated text may be grammatically correct, choppy sentences can be a crucial clue.

Bizarre Claims Require Extra Scrutiny

McAfee emphasizes the importance of evaluating the claim presented in the content. If an image or news story seems too bizarre to be real, it probably isn’t. Applying the rule of thumb, “Don’t believe everything you read on the internet,” extends to “Don’t believe everything you see on the internet.” To verify the authenticity of a news story, search for the headline elsewhere.

Distorted Details and Uneven Skin Tones

AI-generated content often exhibits distortions, such as too many fingers or soulless eyes. Shadows may appear in unnatural places, and skin tones may look uneven. In deepfake videos, the voice and facial expressions may not align perfectly, resulting in a robotic and stiff appearance. If something seems off, it’s worth scrutinizing more closely.

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How to Stay Safe from Deepfakes

While there’s no foolproof method to protect yourself from deepfake threats, taking specific steps can reduce the risk:

• Report Deepfakes: If you come across deepfakes of yourself, report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• Limit Online Presence: Be mindful of the information you share online. Limit the number of posts featuring personal details.
• Privacy Matters: Keep your social media accounts private and only accept friend requests from people you know and trust.
• Verification Programs: Some programs, like Adobe, have developed verification tools to confirm the authenticity of digital content. Utilize these tools when available.

Deepfakes are a growing concern, with the World Economic Forum estimating a staggering 900% annual increase in deepfake videos. By staying vigilant and learning to recognize the signs, you can better protect yourself from falling prey to these deceptive manipulations.