How Deepfakes Affect Business Operations

AI PR Nightmares Part  3- Deep Fakes Will  Strike Deeper (start planning now): Cyber tools that clone voices and faces arent social media scroll novelties, they’re now mainstream weapons causing millions or billions in financial and reputational harm. If you haven’t scenario‑planned for them yet, you have some work to do right Video, audio, and documents so convincing they could collapse reputations and finances overnight. This isn’t distant Sci‑Fi or fear mongering: Over 40% of financial firms reported deep‑fake threat incidents in 2024 and it escalated 2,137% in just three years. 😱 ⚠️ Real-world fraud: The CFO deep‑fake heist: In early 2024, a British engineering firm (Arup) fell victim to a video‑call deepfake featuring their CFO. Scammers walked an employee through 15 urgent transactions, ultimately siphoning off over $25 million. This wasn’t social media fakery, it was a brazen boardroom attack, executed in real time, with Cold War KGB‑level human believability. 🎭 What synthetic mischief will look like tomorrow: 😱 Imagine a deep‑fake video appearing of a Fortune 500 CEO allegedly accepting a bribe, or footage showing them in inappropriate behavior. 😱 And then within minutes it’s gone viral on social and in the mainstream press, before the real person or company one can even issue a statement. The 2025 version of Twain’s “a lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth puts on its shoes”, except a 1000X faster. At that point, the reputational damage is done even if the clip is later revealed as AI‑generated. 🛡️ What companies must be doing now: Audience Action: Internal (Staff): - Run mandatory deepfake awareness training. - Tell teams: “Yes, you might get a video call from your boss, but if it’s not scheduled, don’t act, and verify via text, email or call. Investors & Regulators: - Include a standard disclaimer in all earnings and executive communications: - “Any video/audio statements are verified via [secure portal/email confirmation]. If you didn’t receive a confirmation, assume it’s fake.” Customers & Partners: - Publish your deep‑fake response plan publicly; kind of like a vulnerability disclosure for your reputation. - Say: “We will never announce layoffs or major program changes via a single email/video.” Media & Public: - Pre‑train spokespeople to respond rapidly: - “That video is fraudulent. We’re initiating forensic authentication and investigating now.” Digital Defense: - Invest in deep‑fake detection tools. Sign monitoring agreements with platforms and regulators. Track your senior execs’ likenesses online. 👇 Has your company run deep‑fake drills? Or do you have a near‑miss story to share? Let’s all collaborate on AI crisis readiness.

There’s more to the $25 million deepfake story than what you see in the headlines. I pulled the original story to get the full scoop. Here are the steps the scammer took: 1. The scammers sent a phishing email to up to three finance employees in mid-January, saying a “secret transaction” had to be done. 2. One of the finance employees fell for the phishing email. This led to the scammers inviting the finance employee to a video conference. The video conference included what appeared to be the company CFO, other staff, and some unknown outsiders. This was the deep fake technology at work, mimicking employees' faces and voices. 3. On the group video conference, the scammers asked the finance employee to do a self-introduction but never interacted with them. This limited the likelihood of getting caught. Instead, the scammers just gave orders from a script and moved on to the next phase of the attack. 4. The scammers followed up with the victim via instant messaging, emails, and one-on-one video calls using deep fakes. 5. The finance employee then made 15 transfers totaling $25.6 million USD. As you can see, deep fakes were a key tool for the attacker, but persistence was critical here too. The scammers did not let up and did all that they could to apply pressure on the individual to transfer the funds. So, what do businesses do about mitigating this type of attack in the age of deep fakes? - Always report suspicious phishing emails to your security team. In this context, the other phished employees could have been an early warning that something weird was happening. - Trust your gut. The finance employee reported a “moment of doubt” but ultimately went forward with the transfer after the video call and persistence. If something doesn’t feel right, slow down and verify. - Lean into out-of-band authentication for verification. Use a known good method of contact with the individual to verify the legitimacy of a transaction. - Explore technology driven identify verification platforms for high dollar wire transfers. This can help reduce the chance of human error. And one of the best pieces of advice I saw was from Nate Lee yesterday, who called out building a culture where your employees are empowered to verify transaction requests. Nate said the following “The CEO/CFO and everyone with power to transfer money needs to be aligned on and communicate the above. You want to ensure the person doing the transfer doesn't feel that by asking for additional validation that they're pushing back against or acting in a way that signals they don't trust the leader.” Stay safe (and real) out there. ------------------------------ 📝 Interested in leveling up your security knowledge? Sign up for my weekly newsletter using the blog link at the top of this post.

The FBI recently issued a stark warning: AI-generated voice deepfakes are now being used in highly targeted vishing attacks against senior officials and executives. Cybercriminals are combining deepfake audio with smishing (SMS phishing) to convincingly impersonate trusted contacts, tricking victims into sharing sensitive information or transferring funds. This isn’t science fiction. It is happening today. Recent high-profile breaches, such as the Marks & Spencer ransomware attack via a third-party contractor, show how AI-powered social engineering is outpacing traditional defenses. Attackers no longer need to rely on generic phishing emails; they can craft personalized, real-time audio messages that sound just like your colleagues or leaders. How can you protect yourself and your organization? - Pause Before You Act: If you receive an urgent call or message (even if the voice sounds familiar) take a moment to verify the request through a separate communication channel. - Don’t Trust Caller ID Alone: Attackers can spoof phone numbers and voices. Always confirm sensitive requests, especially those involving money or credentials. - Educate and Train: Regularly update your team on the latest social engineering tactics. If your organization is highly targeted, simulated phishing and vishing exercises can help build a culture of skepticism and vigilance. - Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Even if attackers gain some information, MFA adds an extra layer of protection. - Report Suspicious Activity: Encourage a “see something, say something” culture. Quick reporting can prevent a single incident from escalating into a major breach. AI is transforming the cyber threat landscape. Staying informed, alert, and proactive is our best defense. #Cybersecurity #AI #Deepfakes #SocialEngineering #Vishing #Infosec #Leadership #SecurityAwareness

Imagine this: You're on a multi-person video conference call, but everyone you see on your screen is fake! We're all familiar with #deepfake technology from the film industry, where it's often used to show younger versions of our favorite actors. While deepfakes and #AI aren't new concepts, the launch of ChatGPT has made AI accessible to the masses. This has sparked an arms race with nearly every corporation marketing some magical AI-related product or service. The article below describes how a multinational company based in Hong Kong learned firsthand how AI can be exploited. During a video conference call, an unsuspecting employee was tricked into transferring $25.5M after receiving instructions from what appeared to be the company's CFO. The employee, greeted by voices and appearances matching colleagues, completed 15 transactions to 5 local bank accounts. It wasn't until later, after speaking with the company's actual head, that the employee realized the call was entirely fake—all the participants, except for him.. While such elaborate schemes are rare, deepfakes present a significant risk to the financial industry. For example, AI has been used to impersonate relatives, such as grandchildren, requesting money from elderly grandparents. Would your elderly family members that struggle with our modern world know the difference? As the US approaches its first presidential election with readily available AI tools, my crystal ball says we will see a surge in AI-generated misinformation. Here are three recommendations on how to detect deepfakes or at least the signs to watch out for: 1/ Anomalies in Facial Expressions and Movements: Pay close attention to inconsistencies or unnatural movements in facial expressions and eye movements. 2/ Inconsistent Audio-Visual Synchronization: Deepfake videos may exhibit discrepancies between audio and video elements. Watch for instances where the lip movements don't sync accurately with spoken words. 3/ Check for Contextual Clues and Verification: Consider the likelihood and plausibility of the video's content within its broader context. Deepfakes are often used to spread misinformation or manipulate public opinion, so remain skeptical and consult reputable sources for confirmation when in doubt. #cybersecurity #ria https://lnkd.in/eQz5QUdZ

Last quarter, a multinational firm nearly wired $1.2 million to a cybercriminal. Why? Because their CEO “sent a video” authorizing it. The voice matched. The gestures were perfect. The tone? Convincing enough to override protocol. Only one sharp-eyed assistant noticed the lip sync was slightly off. It was a deepfake. Built using public video interviews, social media clips, and off-the-shelf GenAI tools. The real damage? → 72 hours of internal chaos → A global PR scare they never wanted hitting the press → And a complete rebuild of their executive comms protocol Most companies are racing to use GenAI for sales, marketing, and training… But very few are asking: “What’s the attack surface we’re creating?” ☑ Public-facing execs? ☑ Long-form video content online? ☑ AI-powered customer service agents? Here’s what most companies are doing now: Focusing on AI creation tools without validation layers Allowing execs to be overly visible without deepfake monitoring Assuming “awareness” is a substitute for response strategy But here’s the shift smart companies are making: → Embedding video integrity checks in workflows → Training staff on synthetic media indicators → Partnering with cybersecurity leads before publishing AI content #GenAI is a superpower. But without #governance, it becomes your enemy in disguise. Ask yourself: What would it cost you if someone impersonated your founder on camera? What security guardrails can you implement to protect your organization?

A recent case involving an imposter posing as Secretary of State Marco Rubio using AI-generated voice and Signal messaging targeted high-level officials. The implications for corporate America are profound. If executive voices can be convincingly replicated, any urgent request—whether for wire transfers, credentials, or strategic information—can be faked. Messaging apps, even encrypted ones, offer no protection if authentication relies solely on voice or display name. Every organization must revisit its verification protocols. Sensitive requests should always be confirmed through known, trusted channels—not just voice or text. Employees need to be trained to spot signs of AI-driven deception, and leadership should establish a clear process for escalating suspected impersonation attempts. This isn’t just about security—it’s about protecting your people, your reputation, and your business continuity. In today’s threat landscape, trust must be earned through rigor—not assumed based on what we hear. #DeepfakeThreat #DataIntegrity #ExecutiveProtection https://lnkd.in/gKJHUfkv

Hackers don’t need your password anymore… they just need your voice. A CFO gets a call from their CEO. CEO: “Approve the wire transfer. Urgent. I’ll explain later.” CFO: “Sending now.” Except... it wasn’t the CEO. It was AI. Someone cloned the CEO’s voice. Called the CFO. Sounded exactly like them. Stole millions. These attacks are getting more advanced. AI-generated voices can impersonate executives, colleagues, and vendors—making phishing calls incredibly convincing. It’s not just phone calls. Fake Zoom invites AI-cloned Teams messages Deepfake Google Meet calls Employees must be trained to verify requests: - Call back on a known number - Cross-check through a different channel - Look for speech inconsistencies Would your team catch the scam? Or would they wire the money? Would they question the CEO’s voice? Or fall for the deepfake? Tools help, but real security comes from continuous, hands-on training - not just a one-time webinar or compliance checkbox. Cybercriminals evolve fast, using AI and deepfakes to outsmart defenses.

“Sorry, Benedetto, but I need to identify you,” the executive said. He posed a question: What was the title of the book Vigna had just recommended to him a few days earlier. Recently, a Ferrari executive was nearly deceived by a convincing deepfake impersonating CEO Benedetto Vigna but listened to his gut and stopped to verify that he was speaking with the real Vigna. This incident highlights the escalating risk of AI-driven fraud, where sophisticated deepfake tools are used to mimic voices and manipulate employees. Perhaps more importantly, how awareness of these threats can save your organization from fraud. The executive received WhatsApp messages and a call from someone posing as Vigna, using a different number and profile picture. The imposter's voice was a near-perfect imitation, discussing a confidential deal and asking for assistance. Suspicious, the executive asked a verification question about a book Vigna recently recommended, causing the call to abruptly end. Key Takeaways: Verify Identity: Always confirm the identity of the person you're communicating with, especially if the request is unusual. Ask questions only the real person would know. (Teach this to your family as well, this applies to real world- not just business) Be Alert to Red Flags: Differences in phone numbers, profile pictures, and slight mechanical intonations in the voice can signal a deepfake. Continuous Training: Regularly train employees on the latest deepfake threats and how to spot them. Robust Security Protocols: Implement multi-factor authentication and strict verification processes for sensitive communications and transactions. As deepfake technology advances, it's crucial to stay vigilant and proactive. By fostering a culture of security awareness and implementing strong verification methods, we can protect our organizations from these sophisticated scams. Awareness matters. #cybersecurity #insiderthreat #Deepfake #AI #Fraudprevention #Employeetraining #Ferrari #Securityawareness #humanrisk

🎣 👀 Do you really know who's on that video call with you? 🔍 Mandiant (now part of Google Cloud) analysts have uncovered evidence of commoditized #deepfake video proffered explicitly for #phishing attacks: "advertisements on hacker forums and #Telegram channels in English and Russian boasted of the software’s ability to replicate a person’s likeness to make an attempted extortion, fraud or #socialengineering exercise 'seem more personal in nature.' The going rate is as little as $20 per minute, $250 for a full video or $200 for a training session." 🚩 #AI promises to lower the marginal cost of many operations to near zero, and that can include malicious operations. The novelty here is the relatively low compute required to pull off REAL-TIME video deepfakes. This means technically unsophisticated threat actors can launch a malicious avatar which can converse with employees rather than relying on a pre-scripted output. In fact, this innovation pretty much renders last year's #Phishing as a Service kits obsolete. 💥 In a Microsoft Teams video earlier this year #CyberArk's chairman, Udi Mokady found himself staring at a deepfake of himself, created by a researcher at the company. “I was shocked. There I was, crouched over in a hoodie with my office in the background.” This same attack was demonstrated live at #DEFCON31 (very sorry to have missed it). When I talk with #securityawareness teams, they often say they're not prioritizing #AI stuff "just yet" because they're still drilling the basics. Sure, but threat actors are rapidly up-skilling and up-leveling. Why wouldn't you do the same for your workforce? 🔊 🎯 Any SMEs, evangelists, or executives with a public presence have provided more than enough data for training. Mokady's double was trained from audio on earnings calls. Smaller companies, where everyone knows one another may be safe for now, but larger organizations are big game, and with many thousands of employees, relying on familiarity will not be an adequate #cybersecurity defense strategy. Rick McElroy Tristan Morris Molly McLain Sterling Ashley Chackman 🔹️James McQuiggan Michael McLaughlin Julian Dobrowolski #informationsecurity #deepfakes --------- 💯 Human-generated content ✅ I've personally read all linked content https://lnkd.in/gMpmh9ap

Harsh truth: AI has opened up a Pandora's box of threats. The most concerning one? The ease with which AI can be used to create and spread misinformation. Deepfakes (AI-generated content that portrays something false as reality) are becoming increasingly sophisticated & challenging to detect. Take the attached video - a fake video of Morgan Freeman, which looks all too real. AI poses a huge risk to brands & individuals, as malicious actors could use deepfakes to: • Create false narratives about a company or its products • Impersonate executives or employees to damage credibility • Manipulate public perception through fake social media posts The implications for PR professionals are enormous. How can we maintain trust and credibility in a world where seeing is no longer believing? The answer lies in proactive preparation and swift response. Here are some key strategies for navigating the AI misinformation minefield: 🔹 1. Educate your team: Ensure everyone understands the threat of deepfakes and how to spot potential fakes. Regular training is essential. 🔹 2. Monitor vigilantly: Keep a close eye on your brand's online presence. Use AI-powered tools to detect anomalies and potential threats. 🔹 3. Have a crisis plan: Develop a clear protocol for responding to AI-generated misinformation. Speed is critical to contain the spread. 🔹 4. Emphasize transparency: Build trust with your audience by being open and honest. Admit mistakes and correct misinformation promptly. 🔹 5. Invest in verification: Partner with experts who can help authenticate content and separate fact from fiction. By staying informed, prepared, and proactive, PR professionals can navigate this new landscape and protect their brands' reputations. The key is to embrace AI as a tool while remaining vigilant against its potential misuse. With the right strategies in place, we can harness the power of AI to build stronger, more resilient brands in the face of the misinformation minefield.