NEED TO KNOW NEWSLETTER APRIL 2026
AI deepfake: A Simple Defense
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we work – and even how we interact at home. It helps us move faster, collaborate better, and solve complex problems. But the same technology driving innovation is also fueling new cyber threats. Threat actors are using AI to impersonate people you trust with alarming accuracy.
AI – powered scams are rising. With modern AI tools, threat actors can clone a voice, simulate a video call, and impersonate trusted people with startling accuracy.
What is an AI deepfake?
AI deepfakes are AI-generated fake images, videos and audio recordings that look and sound just like real ones. These tools use real images and videos to create realistic-looking content for malicious purposes.
That means the next urgent request – whether by phone, voicemail, text, or video – could be an AI powered scam.
Where does that data come from?
- Social media videos
- Public presentations
- Voicemails
- Online interviews
- Recorded meetings
- Short phone conversations
Common AI Scam Scenarios:
- Your spouse saying they’ve been in an accident.
- Your child asking for emergency money.
- Your manager requesting an urgent wire transfer.
- An executive asking for confidential information.
Keep in mind:
- Caller ID can be spoofed.
- AI can clone voices.
- Urgency is a red flag.
- Pause before you act.
Take action today:
Set up a Safe Word with your team and family.
A safe word is a private code word or phrase shared with trusted people.
If you receive an urgent or unusual request:
- Ask for the safe word.
- If they can’t provide it, stop.
- Verify through another trusted contact method.
Cybersecurity is a Human Responsibility, and everyone is part of the solution.
- Technology changes. Human psychology doesn’t.
- A safe word is simple.
- It’s powerful.
- And it could prevent a costly mistake – at work, home, and with friends.
Today’s scams don’t just look real – they sound and appear real.
This is why we’re encouraging every employee to adopt a safe word system – both at work and at home.
Stay alert. Stay calm. Stay secure.