AI deepfakes growing problem for organizations

A recent report from cybersecurity firm Deep Instinct and Sapio Research has looked into how the growth of generative AI is impacting organizations, from conducting business to shielding their companies from harm. 

While AI has been a positive influence in some respects, one key downside is that less sophisticated threat actors can easily launch sophisticated malicious attacks without much effort. 

Created with the help of surveying 500 senior cybersecurity experts in industries such as finance, technology, and healthcare, the three main takeaways from the report are:

1. Deepfakes are an evolving threat
2. There is a need to move from reaction to prevention with the rise of Malicious AI
3. Growing stress is leading to SecOps burnout

Let’s take a closer look.

1. The rise of corporate deepfakes

Deepfakes are manipulated videos, images, or audio clips that put real people in fake scenarios. While celebrities and public figures are common targets for such malicious activities, cybercriminals have started using deepfake technology to impersonate corporate leadership and fool employees into handing over sensitive information. 

Deep Instinct’s survey found that 61% of organizations experienced an increase in deepfake

impersonations over the past year, with 75% of those saying the cybercriminals impersonated the CEO or other C-level executive. They believe the biggest issue with tackling deepfakes is the lack of education on how to pinpoint and deal with them. 

2. Moving from reaction to prevention

Because AI is developing and evolving so rapidly, threat actors often exploit it faster than security teams can to combat the consequences. That’s why organizations are seeking to upskill employees when it comes to dealing with AI threats. 47% of survey respondents said they were focusing on security awareness and training programs, while 42% are relying on predictive prevention platforms to protect against these threats.

3. SecOps teams burnout

There has long been a shortage of cybersecurity professionals to keep up with the demand, and the continually evolving AI has added even more pressure. 56% of survey respondents reported an increase in stress over the past twelve months, with 66% of cybersecurity professionals saying that AI causes feelings of burnout and stress, ultimately adding more pressure to their jobs.