How can we protect ourselves from deepfakes

Experts from Kaspersky and the wider cybersecurity community gathered at the annual Kaspersky NEXT event in Athens and predicted a two-pronged approach to tackling deepfakes threats. Sophisticated cybersecurity systems for AI should go hand in hand with thorough education and awareness programs for users to guide people on how to identify the risks posed by deepfakes and malicious AI agents.

Cybercrime is rapidly adopting new technologies. One of the most worrying trends is the rise of deepfakes - doctored images, audio or video created with the help of artificial intelligence, which makes them look completely real - at least to the naked eye. The issue is even more worrying of late, as tools for generating artificial intelligence become more widespread and accessible to the general public.

Experts also predict that there will be a growing need for technologies to protect personal AI systems from constantly evolving threats that target them. We will become increasingly dependent on AI technologies for everyday life. This dependence will introduce a new attack vector, attracting cybercriminals to exploit this vulnerability. This will likely force users to invest in protecting their personal AI from attack.

At the event, Marco Preuss, Deputy Director Global Research & Analysis Team (GReAT) of Kaspersky, predicted: "The future as we see it will not only require us to find technological solutions to ever-evolving new threats, but will also require a change in mindset. In this golden age of journalism, where news quality is more important than ever, we need to invest as much as possible in user education to protect our societies and democracies from misinformation and similar threats."

"We have the capabilities and technologies to create new tools to protect our digital future, but what will be just as important is a change in mindset," commented Dan Demeter, Senior Security Researcher, GReAT, at Kaspersky. "We will need to start thinking differently to stay safe online as the lines between online and offline become increasingly blurred. Staying safe from AI threats will be as much about how we think as it is about how we protect ourselves. In addition, education and awareness will be critical cornerstones in conjunction with a robust cybersecurity solution."

How to protect companies from evolving AI-based threats

• Understand criminal cyber activities on the darkweb, anticipate potential risks and leaks when developing a cybersecurity strategy.
• Implement a sophisticated cybersecurity system that not only protects but also harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to enhance security and detection.
• Invest in educational training courses and cybersecurity training and awareness initiatives for all levels of employees. Implement security awareness trainings to address specific AI security needs and minimize the risk of internal cyber security incidents.
• Use threat intelligence services to gather information on recent attacks to protect computer systems from emerging threats.
• Comply with the regulations. In addition to technological and educational approaches to mitigate risks, regulation is also required. Many regulatory efforts have highlighted the risk of malicious use of AI in cyberattacks, and regulators have urged better methods for detecting and watermarking AI-generated media.