The Emerging Threat of Deepfake-based Sextortion Scams

Threat Actors Manipulate Stolen Images and Videos Using AI to Create Deepfakes for Sextortion Scams

The FBI recently issued a warning that malicious actors are using deepfake technology to create sexually explicit images and videos to extort individuals into paying them with money or gift cards. These deepfakes appear real but are created using any photo or video of the victim that is publicly available on the internet. According to the FBI, the victims of these scams are usually unaware that their images were stolen and doctored until someone notified them of their existence.

Advancements in AI Lead to Advanced Threats

The rise of deepfake technology, based on artificial intelligence, is yet more proof of how AI is changing the security landscape, which poses significant threats to cybersecurity. Sextortion scams are nothing new, but traditionally, malicious actors would coerce victims into providing sexually explicit photos or videos of themselves. The emergence of deepfake technology changes the game completely. Threat actors no longer require that targets already have nude or sexually explicit videos or images of themselves, as they can now simply create them by using any photo or video of the victim posted online.

Expanded Reach of Threats

Experts have predicted that sextortion would be on the rise this year, with targets extending beyond the typical high-profile business executive and public figure to practically anyone with data stored in a place that attackers can reach. These threats usually extend to the attacker using personal or sexually explicit information or images of the victim to force them into meeting the demands.

Defending Against Scams

Sextortion scams have repercussions not only for personal technology users, but also for organizations that their business leaders can face reputational damage or harm to their respective businesses if explicit content is exposed. To avoid being targeted or compromised, the FBI suggests that everyone exercise caution when posting or direct-messaging any personal photos, videos, or identifying information on social media, dating apps, or other online sites.

Parents and guardians of children need to monitor their online activity and discuss the risks associated with sharing content online, particularly on popular communication platforms for young people, like TikTok and Snapchat. Adults also need to run frequent searches of their and their children’s personal information to help identify exposure and spread of personal information on the internet. Applying strict privacy settings on social-media accounts to limit public exposure of personal and private images and information can also reduce the chances of being targeted by sextortionists.

Editorial Thoughts

The use of deepfake technology to create sexually explicit photos and videos is reprehensible and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. It violates people’s privacy and liberties and can result in untold harm to the lives and reputations of individuals and businesses. AI technology is a tool of the future, and we must leverage this new technology to protect against these advanced threats and build resilient cybersecurity measures.

Advice

Everyone needs to exercise caution while sharing any personal information and use the latest cybersecurity tools and techniques to protect themselves from online threats. Organizations should regularly train their employees on the best practices and maintain strict data security measures to prevent cyberattacks. Parents must monitor their children’s online activities and set boundaries on their social media use. Finally, victims of sextortion should immediately report it to the authorities and not comply with any extortion demands. It’s the best way to protect themselves and help reduce the prevalence of sextortionist scams.