Think You Can Spot a Deepfake? These Tips Could Save You

Have you ever seen a video of your favorite celebrity saying something outrageous, only to later find out it was completely fabricated? Or maybe you've received an urgent email that seemed to come from your boss, but something felt off. Welcome to the world of deepfakes.

Deepfakes are a rapidly evolving technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create synthetic media, often in the form of videos or audio recordings. They can appear real but are actually manipulated. At OliveTech, we’re here to help you understand and protect against this growing threat.

Deepfakes can be used creatively, like in satire or entertainment, but their potential for misuse is concerning. In 2024, for instance, a fake robocall mimicked a political candidate’s voice, fooling people into believing they said something they never did. Bad actors can use deepfakes to spread misinformation, damage reputations, and even manipulate financial markets. They are also employed in phishing attacks. Knowing how to identify different types of deepfakes is crucial in today’s world.

So, What Are the Different Types of Deepfakes, and How Can You Spot Them?

Face-Swapping Deepfakes

This is the most common type, where the face of one person is seamlessly superimposed onto another's body in a video. These can be quite convincing, especially with high-quality footage and sophisticated AI algorithms.

Here's how to spot them:

• Look for inconsistencies: Pay close attention to lighting, skin tones, and facial expressions. Do they appear natural and consistent throughout the video? Look for subtle glitches like hair not moving realistically or slight misalignments around the face and neck.
• Check the source: Where did you encounter the video? Was it on a reputable news site or a random social media page? Be cautious of unverified sources and unknown channels.
• Listen closely: Does the voice sound natural? Does it match the person's typical speech patterns? Incongruences in voice tone, pitch, or accent can be giveaways.

Deepfake Audio

This type involves generating synthetic voice recordings that mimic a specific person's speech patterns and intonations. Scammers can use these to create fake audio messages, making it seem like someone said something they didn't.

Here's how to spot them:

• Focus on the audio quality: Deepfake audio can sound slightly robotic or unnatural compared to genuine recordings of the same person. Pay attention to unusual pauses, inconsistent pronunciation, or strange emphasis.
• Compare the content: Does the content of the audio message align with what the person would say or within the context it’s presented? Consider if the content seems out of character or contradicts known facts.
• Seek verification: Is there any independent evidence to support the claims made? If not, approach it with healthy skepticism.

Text-Based Deepfakes

This emerging type of deepfake uses AI to generate written content, such as social media posts, articles, or emails, mimicking the writing style of a specific person or publication. These can be particularly dangerous as scammers can use them to spread misinformation or impersonate someone online.

Here's how to spot them:

• Read critically: Pay attention to the writing style, vocabulary, and tone. Does it match the way the person or publication typically writes? Look for unusual phrasing, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies in tone.
• Check factual accuracy: Verify the information presented in the text against reliable sources. Don’t rely solely on the content itself for confirmation.
• Be wary of emotional triggers: Be cautious of content that evokes strong emotions like fear, anger, or outrage. Scammers may be using these to manipulate your judgment.

Deepfake Videos with Object Manipulation

This type goes beyond faces and voices, using AI to manipulate objects within real video footage, such as changing their appearance or behavior. Bad actors may use this to fabricate events or alter visual evidence.

Here's how to spot them:

• Observe physics and movement: Pay attention to how objects move in the video. Does their motion appear natural and consistent with the laws of physics? Look for unnatural movement patterns, sudden changes in object size, or inconsistencies in lighting and shadows.
• Seek original footage: If possible, try to find the original source of the video footage. This can help you compare it to the manipulated version and identify alterations.

Microsoft's VASA-1 Raises Deepfake Concerns, According to Design Rush.

Developed by Microsoft Research Asia, VASA-1 uses machine learning to analyze a static image and audio, producing synchronized video of the person talking or singing with accurate lip movements and facial expressions.

While intended for positive applications like education and accessibility, critics argue the technology could be misused for impersonation and misinformation. Microsoft acknowledges these ethical concerns and states it has no current plans to release VASA-1 until responsible use can be ensured.

The debate highlights the need for responsible AI development and implementation of deepfake detection strategies to mitigate potential misuse of such technologies.

Staying vigilant and applying critical thinking are crucial in the age of deepfakes. Familiarize yourself with the different types, learn to recognize potential red flags, and verify information through reliable sources. These actions will help you become more informed and secure.

Get a Device Security Checkup

Criminals are using deepfakes for phishing. Just by clicking on one, you may have downloaded a virus. At OliveTech, we offer device security checkups to give you peace of mind. We’ll look for any potential threats and remove them. Small businesses and homeowners in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins can rely on us to keep their devices safe.

Contact us today to learn more.