CONTEXT

Imagine a world where seeing isn't believing anymore.

Now imagine a scenario where a finance worker is conned into sending $25 million because of a convincingly fake video of his boss. This real life example, reported by CNN, exposes the growing complexity of social engineering threats like deepfakes, blurring the lines between reality and deception.

Deep fakes are all around us and they are getting more and more hard to identify. Check out this video of 'Morgan Freeman' to witness the uncanny and almost chilling prowess of deepfake technology.

THE TOOL

To counteract these advanced threats, specialized training tools such as Curricula, Usecure, and KnowBe4 have been developed. These platforms offer innovative features designed to enhance security awareness and resilience against cyber deception.

1. Curricula:

   • Narrative-Based Learning: Engages users with relatable stories that illustrate cybersecurity concepts, making complex information accessible and memorable.

   • Gamified Experience: Incorporates quizzes and interactive elements to motivate and reinforce learning.

   • Customizable Content: Allows organizations to tailor security awareness programs to address their specific vulnerabilities and risks.

2. Usecure:

   • Personalized Learning Paths: Analyzes each user's knowledge and behavior to create customized training that targets individual weaknesses.

   • Simulated Phishing Attacks: Offers realistic phishing simulations to test and improve employees' responses to malicious emails.

   • Compliance Reporting: Generates detailed reports on user progress and compliance, aiding in the monitoring and assessment of training effectiveness.

3. KnowBe4:

   • Extensive Library of Training Materials: Provides a vast collection of training modules on a wide range of topics, from phishing to deepfakes, to build a comprehensive understanding of cyber threats.

   • Phish Alert Button: Integrates a reporting mechanism that enables users to easily report suspected phishing attempts, enhancing organizational response capabilities.

   • Security Culture Benchmarking: Allows organizations to compare their security culture with industry standards, identifying areas for improvement.

Alongside educational platforms, there's exciting progress in the development of tools specifically designed to identify deepfakes.

• Microsoft’s Video Authenticator: This tool reviews videos to determine if they might be fabricated, giving users a heads-up on potential fakes.

• Binghamton University & Intel Collaboration: They've developed a tool that goes beyond just spotting fakes. It digs for subtle hints that something's not right, such as unusual background noises.

• Detection of Phoneme-Viseme Mismatches: Techniques are in place to notice when the way someone's mouth moves doesn't match up with the words they're supposedly saying.

• Forensic Tools: Some tools can detect edits in videos, helping to uncover if a video has been tampered with.

• Recurrent Convolutional Strategies: Advanced systems are being trained to recognize the patterns typical of fake videos, making it easier to spot them.

THE ART

Mastering the use of tools like Curricula, usecure, and KnowBe4 is truly an art form. It's not just about clicking through training modules or watching videos. It's about developing a keen eye and a sharp mind to distinguish between what's real and what's a clever fake… a skill more critical now than ever.

Imagine being able to spot a deepfake just by paying a little extra attention to the details, like the way the light hits the face or how the voice sounds just a bit off. With the help of these tools you learn to look beyond the surface, question things that seem out of place, and trust your instincts.This art doesn't just protect you; it empowers you.

WHY IT WORKS

These platforms are effective because they transform how we think and act in the digital world. Through engaging training and real-world simulations, they prepare us to face and counter cyber threats confidently. They instill a critical mindset, teaching us to verify information and remain cautious online.

No one ever thinks it will happen to them, but the reality speaks differently. In the past 12 months, according to the Global Incident Response Threat Report, 66% of incident responders have witnessed deepfake attacks, showing it is a significant concern in digital security. Additionally, 78% of these responders observed that email was a frequent method of delivering such attacks, aligning with the rise in business email compromise incidents.

In promoting a culture of security awareness, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to the broader digital community's safety. Adapting to the ever-changing cyber threat landscape, we become more resilient and prepared to face digital challenges head-on. The tools and practices we adopt not only shield us from the threats of today but also arm us for the uncertainties of tomorrow.

Until next week,

Shawn

P.S. If your concerned about deepfakes and want more advice on how to digitally protect yourself from cyber security attacks… I can help! Book a private, 45-min tech coaching session with me. Learn more and view my availability here. Spots are filling up!