When Digital Reality Becomes Fake: Deepfakes

For the month of October, our IT/IS team wants to highlight Cyber Security Awareness. The campaign aims to support staff with tools and knowledge on how to protect their digital assets, personal and work information, and online privacy. We’ll be posting information on cyber security every week along with a trivia question. Participants have a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift Card.


What Are Deepfakes?

Deepfakes are fake videos or audio recordings that look and sound incredibly real. They’re made using artificial intelligence (AI) technology that can edit and manipulate media to make it seem like someone is saying or doing something they never actually did.

How Scammers Use Deepfakes

Imagine getting a video message from your manager asking you to send them your credentials to check something work related.

The video looks just like your manager, but it’s actually a fake created by a scammer. This is how deepfakes can be used for phishing – tricking you into giving away important information or money.

How to Spot a Deepfake

Think Twice: If you get a strange request, even if it seems to be from someone you know, stop and think about whether it makes sense.

Look Closely: Check the video or audio carefully. Does anything look off? Maybe the person blinks weirdly, or the lighting doesn’t look quite right. The sound might also be a bit strange. These could be signs that it’s a deepfake.

Remember, in the digital world, it’s important to be careful and think critically about what you see and hear.

How to spot Deep fake video:
https://www.newscientist.com/video/2445983-how-to-spot-deepfakes-and-ai-generated-images/

Week Two Trivia Question

Answer this week’s trivia question on cyber security and enter a draw for a chance to win an Amazon gift card: https://redcap.sjcg.net/surveys/?s=AA3ECDKKKN