UCSB is participating in UC Cybersecurity Awareness Month (UCCAM) during the month of October. The goal of UCCAM is to increase systemwide awareness about cybersecurity and to educate our campus community on ways to better protect yourselves and your devices from cyber-attacks. This week we will focus on understanding deepfakes. 

What are deepfakes?

A deepfake is a synthetic audio or video created using deep learning, a type of machine learning that mimics the human brain's ability to process information. While deepfake technology can be used for entertainment and creative purposes, it also poses significant risks due to its ability to spread misinformation and commit fraud.

Deepfakes can be exploited by cybercriminals in several ways:

  1. Social Engineering Attacks: Cybercriminals use deepfakes to impersonate trusted individuals, such as employees or family members, to deceive victims into sharing personal information or financial assets.
  2. Blackmail and Extortion: Exploitative deepfake content can be created to blackmail or extort money from individuals or organizations, threatening to release the fake material unless demands are met.
  3. Misinformation: Deepfakes can generate realistic but false content, spreading misleading information or propaganda to manipulate public opinion.

To identify deepfakes, watch out for audio synchronization and ensure the audio matches the lip movements of the speaker. Also, pay attention to facial features, noting if the speaker has unnatural blinking, flickering around the eyes, or inconsistent lighting and shadows.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Combat Deepfakes

AI technologies are being deployed across many platforms to counter deepfakes. Microsoft has developed a tool that assesses photos and videos for authenticity, while Intel’s FakeCatcher analyzes image pixels to detect manipulation.

For further learning and practice, visit Kellogg School’s Deepfake Detection. If you encounter deepfake content involving you or others, report it to the hosting platform to help address the issue.

Don’t forget to check out UCSB’s lineup of UCCAM events this month! Students, staff, faculty, family, and friends are all encouraged to join and learn. The UC Cyber Champions group also has a full list of systemwide events occurring throughout October. We appreciate your engagement and hope you stay cyber safe!