Types of deepfakes Ever watched a video where your fave celeb says something wild, only to realize it is fake?

Do you also get weird emails that seem from your boss but don’t quite sound like them?

Say hello to deepfakes! There are types of deepfakes you may not know. It is this tech that is all about using artificial intelligence (AI) to make fake videos or audio that look and sound real. Hence, they can appear real but are manipulated. Crazy, right?

Dive into the World with the types of Deepfakes: Unveiling Different Varieties in Today’s News!

Deepfakes are not just for fun anymore. Sure, they can be used for satire or entertainment, but there is a dark side too.

Imagine this: in the last election, a fake robocall copied a candidate’s voice to trick voters. Scary, right? That is the problem with deepfakes—they are sneaky and can be used for all sorts of shady stuff. Scammers wanted to fool people into believing they said something they never said.

Deepfakes are not just harmless pranks anymore. They are like tools for troublemakers, spreading lies and messing with people’s lives. Think about it: they can wreck reputations, mess with stock markets, and even trick you into giving away your info through phishing scams. It is important to know how to spot them because in today’s world, being fooled by a deepfake could mean big trouble.

Check out this CBS news update: Scammers are getting sneaky with voice deepfakes, Tricking banks into moving customers’ money,” says a new report from the New York Times. Stacy Cowley, a finance reporter for the Times, disclosed information with CBS News on how this scam works.

So, what are the distinct types of deepfakes, and how can you spot them? 

Face-Swapping Deepfakes

This is the most common type. Here, 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 is how to spot them:

• Look for inconsistencies: First, pay close attention to lighting, skin tones, and facial expressions. Do they appear natural and consistent throughout the video? Look for subtle glitches such as 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? As always, 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. They mimic a specific person’s speech patterns and intonations. Scammers can use these to create fake audio messages. As well as make it seem like someone said something they did not.

Here is how to spot these types of deepfakes:

• Focus on the audio quality: Deepfake audio can sound slightly robotic or unnatural. This is especially true when compared to genuine recordings of the same person. Pay attention to unusual pauses as well as 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 in which it is 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 is an emerging type of deepfake. It uses AI to generate written content. Such as social media posts, articles, or emails. They mimic the writing style of a specific person or publication. These can be particularly dangerous. Scammers can use these to spread misinformation or impersonate someone online.

Here is 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. Do not rely solely on the content itself for confirmation.

• Be wary of emotional triggers: Be cautious of content that evokes strong emotions. Such as fear, anger, or outrage. Scammers may be using these to manipulate your judgment.

Types of Deepfake Videos with Object Manipulation

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

Here is 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 as well as 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.

Staying vigilant and applying critical thinking are crucial in the age of deepfakes.

Familiarize yourself with the distinct types. Of deepfakes. Learn to recognize potential red flags. Verify information through reliable sources. These actions will help you become more informed and secure.

Get a Device Security Checkup

Criminals are using these types of deepfakes for phishing. Just by clicking on one, you may have downloaded a virus. A device security checkup can give you peace of mind. We will look for any potential threats and remove them. Get ahead of the game and read more: 2024 Cybersecurity Predictions: Stay Prepared for What Lies Ahead

Contact us today to learn more about cybersecurity.