Deepfakes have quickly emerged as one of the most unsettling new threats online, sparking widespread concern across the globe. This new technology, which uses artificial intelligence to create convincing yet entirely fabricated videos or audio recordings, can blur the line between reality and fiction. Most people may have already seen or encountered a deep fake without even realising it. 

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What are deep fakes?

The word “deep fake” comes from the combination of “deep learning” and “fake,” which involves the use of machine learning to create realistic yet fabricated content. At its core, a deep fake is a manipulated video, audio, or image in which artificial intelligence (AI) seamlessly replaces the likeness of one person with another, often in ways that can be highly convincing. These doctored media files can make people appear to say or do things they never actually said or did.

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The most significant risk associated with deepfakes is their ability to convincingly spread false information under the guise of trusted individuals or organizations. Although deepfake technology has practical and beneficial uses, it also presents serious security challenges. For example, criminals can take a video of a public figure and alter their face or voice to say things they never did. In some cases, people create entire fake personalities using this technology for various criminal purposes.

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How to spot deep fakes

Generally, deepfakes are usually so convincing that it’s hard to tell what’s fake and what’s real. You might have encountered a deep fake without even realising that the information was false because of how realistic it looked.

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One of the earliest examples that caught widespread attention was a video of former U.S. President; Barack Obama, where he appeared to say things he never actually said. While this video was created for educational purposes to show the dangers of deepfakes, it opened everyone’s eyes to how easily misinformation could be spread. Most criminals use deepfake technology to spread false information, impersonate company executives, infiltrate businesses, and many more. Fortunately, while deepfake technology advances, there are still ways to spot them if you know what to look for. 

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1. Unnatural eye movements

Many deepfakes struggle to mimic natural eye movements, including blinking. If the eyes in a video seem unusually still or don't blink naturally, this might be a sign that the video has been manipulated.

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2. Awkward facial expressions

In some cases, deep fakes exhibit strange facial expressions that don’t quite match what the person is supposedly saying, which can create an unnatural look. You may also notice odd lighting or shadows on the face that don’t match the rest of the video.

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3. Inconsistent audio

Paying attention to the audio is crucial when spotting a deepfake. Often, you’ll notice subtle oddities, like the mouth not syncing smoothly with the speech or the voice sounding slightly robotic or off-pitch. These inconsistencies can be a giveaway that the video has been artificially manipulated.

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4. Glitches and unnatural movements

Deepfake videos sometimes have glitches, such as blurring around the edges of the face or awkward movement transitions. These visual cues are often the first sign that something isn’t right.

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Steps to protect yourself from deep fakes

1. Always verify media sources

If you come across a shocking video or an audio clip, especially one involving public figures or sensitive information, always pause and double-check its authenticity. Social media and forwarded messages aren’t reliable sources. Instead, seek confirmation from trusted news outlets or the official channels of the person or organization involved. A little extra research can save you from spreading misinformation.

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2. Be sceptical of unexpected communication

Don't rush to respond if you receive a video, audio message, or even a live call from someone you know who seems out of character or suspicious. For example, if your boss suddenly requests an urgent wire transfer, take a moment to verify it through another method, like calling or meeting in person. Trust your instincts, and it's worth investigating further if something doesn’t seem right.

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3. Pay attention to visual and audio cues

Deep fakes often have small errors despite how convincing they might be. Look out for unnatural blinking, awkward lighting, distorted backgrounds, or lip-syncing that seems slightly off. These subtle clues can reveal that something isn’t quite right.

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4. Stay informed about new technology

As deep fake technology continues to advance, so do the tools designed to detect it. Keep an eye out for new software such as Sentinel and WeVerify or browser plugins that help identify deep fakes. You should consider integrating these tools into your daily routine, especially at work. Staying one step ahead can help you avoid being tricked.

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5. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Deepfakes can replicate voices or faces to spread false information, but they can't access your phone, email, or security tokens. This social engineering technique is very convincing and using multifactor authentication adds an extra layer of protection. This makes it difficult for anyone to compromise your accounts even if they clone or replicate someone you know.

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6. Learn about deep fakes and artificial intelligence (AI)

As Artificial intelligence continues to evolve at a rapid pace, staying informed is crucial for staying ahead. You don’t need to be a tech guru, but regularly following updates on AI and deepfake technology can give you a significant edge. With a basic understanding, you'll be better prepared to recognize suspicious content and detect red flags before they become a bigger issue.

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7. Report deep fake content

If you come across a fabricated video or audio clip that involves you or someone you know, report it to the platform hosting the content. Social media and other services are actively working to combat deepfakes, but they rely on users to flag questionable content. This can help with having it removed or investigated, limiting its potential reach.

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It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the possibilities of how deepfakes can be used against us, but I believe that awareness and preparation are our best defenses. As deepfakes become more widespread, we all need to stay informed, remain vigilant, and protect ourselves from the ever-evolving cyber threats.

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