In a recent press release, Kaspersky Research highlighted the impact of the widespread integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies, stating that these advancements have equipped “threat actors with sophisticated new tools for carrying out attacks.”
The security firm emphasized the emergence of deepfakes as a prominent concern within this landscape. Deepfakes, a fusion of deep learning and falsification, involve the creation of deceptive images, videos, and audio using synthetic intelligence, as elucidated on Kaspersky’s website.
Kaspersky also issued a cautionary alert regarding the availability of algorithmic manipulation tools and services on illicit “darknet marketplaces,” which could facilitate activities such as identity theft and the illicit acquisition of sensitive data.
Notably, Kaspersky’s experts estimated that the cost of deepfake videos per minute could be as low as $300, underscoring the accessibility of this deceptive technology.
Furthermore, a survey conducted by Kaspersky across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa region revealed that while 51% of respondents were aware of deepfake technology, only 25% demonstrated the ability to differentiate between authentic and AI-generated content.
The company underscored the heightened risks posed to organizations, as individuals are often the primary targets of social engineering attacks and phishing schemes facilitated by deepfakes.
Hafeez Rehman, a professional group manager at Kaspersky, highlighted the potential misuse of deepfakes in real-time voice impersonation, emphasizing the multifaceted threats posed to both individual users and businesses. He stressed the urgency of safeguarding against these digital risks to mitigate the dissemination of propaganda and deceptive practices.
Moreover, the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024 raised concerns about the misinformation propagated by AI, particularly in regions like India and Pakistan. In Pakistan, deepfakes have been leveraged to influence public opinion, with instances like former Prime Minister Imran Khan utilizing AI-generated content for online political engagements.
Despite Pakistan’s efforts to establish regulations governing the Internet of Things (IoT), activists have criticized the lack of robust frameworks to combat deception and protect vulnerable populations from the malevolent applications of deepfake technology.
