AI’s Sinister Sibling: Deepfakes
Deepfakes are a concerning trend in the rapidly evolving cybercrime landscape. Forged images, audio, or video created with AI are so realistic that they’re often indistinguishable from the real thing. As AI-generation tools become more accessible and sophisticated, we’re seeing an increasing prevalence of hyper-realistic deepfakes. These are being used for revenge, financial fraud, political manipulation, and harassment, with the dark web playing host to a bustling market for these activities.
Deep-Dive into the Darkweb: Unmasking the Deepfake Market
By diving into darknet forums, a digital ethnography study was carried out to understand the current state of deepfake threats. The study relied on Kaspersky’s Digital Footprint Intelligence service which combines OSINT techniques with automated and manual analysis of the web to reveal insights about cybercriminal techniques and intentions.
Demand for Deception: The Deepfake Dilemma
The study found that the demand for deepfakes is soaring, with people desperately searching for individuals who can create high-quality fake videos. With demand outstripping supply, it’s predicted that we’ll see a significant surge in high-quality deepfake incidents in the near future. The cybercriminals aren’t settling for low-quality either, they’re seeking perfection in video and sound sync, with a significant portion of ads related to cryptoscams. On the supply side, prices for deepfakes can range from $300 to a staggering $20,000 per minute depending on complexity and notability of the impersonated figure.
Faking Famous Faces: Buterin Deepfake Case
The market is so advanced that suppliers offer premium services to create high-quality deepfakes of notable figures like Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin. The level of sophistication is such that these services promise to create videos that can fulfill any “fantasy”, and at a price of $20,000 per minute, the result is incredibly realistic footage.
Cryptofraud and Deepfakes: A Dangerous Duo
One provider offers high-quality deepfakes specifically for cryptocurrency fraud, creating fake crypto giveaways and fake livestreams using celebrity footage. Victims can lose from $1,000 to $460,000 in such scams, highlighting the serious financial threats posed by deepfakes.
Fake Porn and the Dark Side of Deepfakes
Deepfakes also find a market in the creation of fake porn videos, used for entertainment, but also for more malicious purposes such as online harassment, cyberbullying, and blackmail. There are even tutorials on how to create these videos, further spreading this form of cybercrime.
Disinformation and the Deepfake Danger
Deepfakes pose a serious threat to individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. They can be used for spreading false information, manipulating public opinion, creating fake news stories, political propaganda, or misleading advertising, which can have severe consequences for public trust.
Deepfakes and Cyber Fraud: A Disturbing Combination
Deepfakes are used in various types of cyberfraud, from giveaway cryptoscams to targeted attacks on businesses. Examples include a fake video of Elon Musk promising high returns from a dubious cryptocurrency investment scheme and a convincing audio deepfake of a CEO’s voice used to trick an executive into transferring €220,000 ($243,000) to a fraudulent supplier.
Conclusion – Navigating the Deepfake Dystopia
As we move further into the digital age, we need to be vigilant against the rising threat of deepfakes. While AI has the potential to bring about positive change, it’s also a double-edged sword that can be exploited for nefarious purposes. The deepfake market on the dark web is a chilling reminder of this fact. It’s crucial that we remain informed, aware, and prepared for the reality of this deepfake dystopia.
source: Kaspersky Digital Footprint IntelligenceÂ