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In recent years , the proliferation of deepfake technology has posed significant challenges to security , trust , and authenticity in digital environments . These hyper-realistic forgeries , powered by artificial intelligence ( AI ), have farreaching consequences , including identity theft . In South Africa , where identityrelated fraud is already a concern , the emergence of deepfake adds a new layer of complexity to safeguarding personal and organisational information .

Reports indicate a staggering 353 % increase in deepfake incidents between the first and second halves of 2023 . So far , this is an issue of deeper concern in developed countries . However , the cold chain contains so many multinational groups that it can equally spread throughout Africa before any awareness has been raised .

With enough data , these deepfake programmes can create realistic videos where an individual ' s face is superimposed onto another person ' s body . This can be used to fraudulently verify identities in processes requiring personal verification , such as online banking or ISP registrations . Two methods of mitigating the risk are blockchain technology and AI for detection .

Blockchain offers transparency , immutability , and decentralisation in verifying digital identities and content authenticity .

AI for detection enables machine learning algorithms to identify subtle anomalies indicative of deepfake content , providing a defence against fraudulent activities .

One disturbing trend is for deepfakes to exploit the identity verification processes that many organisations rely on . Imagine you are asked to hold up your credit card in a video for verification . A deepfake could replace your face and the credit card details with those of a fraudster , making it appear as though the fraudster is the legitimate account holder .

One ’ s digital persona often contains more information about us than we might recall ourselves . This extensive digital presence is what deepfakes capitalise on . By harvesting vast amounts of data available online — be it from social media , public records , or data breaches — cybercriminals can create convincing digital replicas of individuals . The more active you are online , the easier it is for criminals to source pictures and information about you . Even if you ' re cautious , it ' s almost certain that some of your information is accessible on the dark web . Websites like ' Have I Been Pwned ' can reveal just how much of your personal data has leaked , often without your knowledge .

This abundance of data fuels the effectiveness of deepfakes , making them a significant threat . The more pronounced your digital persona , the easier it is for deepfakes to mimic you . This isn ' t just a theoretical risk ; it ' s a practical one that businesses and individuals must contend with daily .

Criminals can now mimic photos , videos , and even biometric data such as fingerprints , making it essential for us to

stay ahead of these evolving threats . In companies , it can take the form of emails seemingly authentic and requiring staff 6to undertake some action .

The 2021 Cybersecurity Risk Survey by Deloitte revealed that 40 % of respondents experienced at least one cybersecurity incident in the past year . Cybercrimes , including identity fraud , are projected to cost the world about $ 9.5 trillion annually by the end of 2024 , according to AuthenticID ' s State of Identity Fraud Report 2024 .

Deepfake identity theft has most applicability in the case of politicians and music artists . A music video can seem like it is actually Taylor Swift , and a political pronouncement may seem as if coming directly from the mouth of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa . There have been instances where deep fakes have impersonated Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey , promoting fake cryptocurrency investments .

The following example underscores how easily deepfakes can be created and the potential for misuse , especially if such videos are used to further criminal agendas like money laundering .

THE CHILLED IMPERSONATOR

In a dimly lit chilled morgue , the cold air clung to the stainless steel tables . Dr Strauss , the forensic pathologist , leaned over the body of Mr Botha , a recently deceased banker .

“ Strange ,” muttered Strauss , “ this guy ’ s face looks eerily familiar .”

His assistant , Tonto , squinted at the corpse . “ Maybe he ’ s a long-lost twin ?”

EDITOR ’ S COLUMN

Strauss shook his head . “ No , Tonto . This is deeper . Literally .”

He pulled out his phone and launched the deepfake app . With a few taps , he superimposed Botha ’ s face onto a famous actor — the resemblance uncanny .

“ Meet our culprit ,” Strauss said , showing Tonto the screen . “ Botha was a master of disguise . He infiltrated bank vaults , stole millions , and then faked his own death .” “ But why the morgue ?” Tonto asked . “ Think about it ,” Strauss said . “ Where better to hide than among the dead ? Plus , the cold preserves his secrets .”

As they closed the drawer , Strauss added , “ And remember , Tonto , in this morgue , the only thing colder than the bodies is the truth .” CLA

Eamonn

REFERENCES :

1 . https :// medium . com /@ ivonne _ 16292 / howblockchain-battles-deepfake-scams-andidentity-theft-c0d163f801ce

2 . https :// businesstech . co . za / news / businessopinion / 696169 / fraudsters-are-switching-itup-and-stealing-identities-in-south-africa /