Episode 37

full
Published on:

19th May 2025

Ep37: Deepfakes and Digital Deception: The 2025 Threat

**Episode Summary:**

Marc David dives into the rapidly evolving world of deepfakes and digital deception, projecting forward to 2025. The episode explores the alarming growth in deepfake use, driven by accessible AI technology and user-friendly tools. Mark discusses the severe consequences for businesses (e.g., fraudulent CEO announcements, financial scams like the Polish bank incident), politics (e.g., election manipulation), and personal lives. The discussion also covers emerging solutions, including AI-powered detection tools like those from MIT's DeepTrace Lab, the role of regulations like GDPR, and practical steps listeners can take, such as using verification software like Truepic. The core message is the importance of vigilance and questioning the authenticity of digital content.

**Key Discussion Points:**

* **The Explosion of Deepfake Use (00:21):**

* A 900% increase in deepfake videos was found by Sensity researchers in 2021.

* The problem is projected to have quadrupled by 2025.

* **Drivers of the Deepfake Surge (00:35):**

* Accessible and user-friendly AI technology.

* Cheaper software accelerating spread.

* **Impact on Businesses (00:48):**

* Potential for CEO deepfakes to announce fraudulent mergers or layoffs.

* Real-world example: A Polish bank lost millions in 2023 due to a deepfake scam involving an urgent fake call to redirect funds.

* **Impact on Politics (01:10):**

* Deepfakes manipulating elections (e.g., doctored videos of candidates).

* Erosion of voter trust.

* **Current Preparedness & Solutions (01:21):**

* We are not yet fully equipped, but solutions are evolving.

* **Detection Tools (01:25):** AI systems learning to recognize deepfakes by detecting minute digital artifacts.

* MIT's DeepTrace Lab: Provides tools analyzing AI generation flaws.

* **Policy and Regulations (01:42):**

* Europe's GDPR now covers AI-generated media.

* The US is considering similar steps.

* **What You Can Do (01:52):**

* Stay informed.

* Report suspicious content.

* Support legislative actions against deepfakes.

* Use available verification tools.

* **Today's Takeaway (02:04):**

* Be vigilant.

* Question authenticity until trust is verifiable.

**Tools & Sites Mentioned:**


* **Sensity:** (Research mentioned from 2021 regarding the 900% increase in deepfake videos). Sensity was an AI threat intelligence company, later acquired. The research highlighted the scale of the problem.

* **MIT DeepTrace Lab:** A research initiative at MIT focusing on detecting deepfakes and manipulated media.

* Website: [https://deeptrace.csail.mit.edu/](https://deeptrace.csail.mit.edu/)

* **GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation):** Europe's privacy and data protection law, now addressing AI-generated media.

* Official Information: [https://gdpr-info.eu/](https://gdpr-info.eu/)

* **Truepic:** A company offering photo and video verification technology.

* Website: [https://truepic.com/](https://truepic.com/)


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Byte Sized Security
Snackable advice on cyber security best practices tailored for professionals on the go
In a world where cyberattacks are becoming more commonplace, we all need to be vigilant about protecting our digital lives, whether at home or at work. Byte Sized Security is the podcast that provides snackable advice on cybersecurity best practices tailored for professionals on the go.

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Marc David

Marc David is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and the host of the cybersecurity podcast, Byte-Sized Security. He has over 15 years of experience in the information security field, specializing in network security, cloud security, and security awareness training. Marc is an engaging speaker and teacher with a passion for demystifying complex security topics. He got his start in security as a software developer for encrypted messaging platforms. Over his career, Marc has held security leadership roles at tech companies like Radius Networks and Vanco Payment Solutions. He now runs his own cybersecurity consulting and training firm helping businesses and individuals implement practical security controls. When he’s not hosting his popular security podcast, you can find Marc speaking at industry conferences or volunteering to teach kids cyber safety. Marc lives with his family outside of Boston where he also enjoys running, reading, and hiking.