From widespread misinformation and security threats to identity fraud and fake voice clones, cyber threats have increased exponentially in the age of AI-generated deepfakes, and companies are scrambling to develop response plans to address these threats, now that once highly secure measures such as biometric authentication are proving to be no match for deepfake perpetrators, according to new research from software recommendation engine GetApp.
The growing sophistication of AI-driven impersonation attacks are able to undermine traditional security measures. The firm’s 2024 Executive Cybersecurity survey of 2,600 global IT and cybersecurity professionals finds that nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of US respondents say their organization has now developed a deepfake response plan.
Among US respondents, 69 percent are required to use biometric authentication to enhance cybersecurity, above the global average of 53 percent. However, trust in these systems is diminishing, with 36 percent of US respondents expressing significant concern about AI’s growing capabilities to fabricate synthetic biometric data for fraud.
Beyond US-specific findings, global trends indicate growing concern and a spike in cybersecurity investments:
- Privacy and identity theft concerns: 49 percent of professionals globally have privacy concerns and 38 percent fear potential identity theft from using biometric protections.
- Preparedness for AI attacks: 60 percent of global IT and security professionals say their companies have developed measures to defend against AI-generated deepfake attacks.
- Increased cybersecurity investment: 77 percent of surveyed professionals report that their companies have increased cybersecurity investments over the last 18 months.
“Company leaders need reassurance that their protections can still work to defend them against threats,” said David Jani, senior security analyst at GetApp, in a news release. “In practice, this requires executives to review how they guard access to their systems and understand the best ways to rise to the challenge of newer, more targeted fraud.”
What measures are being taken?
Despite these concerns, biometric authentication remains a key element of a robust cybersecurity strategy, especially when combined with multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Global respondents who have already suffered cyberattacks are turning to measures that can be employed immediately and often at minimal cost to shore up vulnerabilities. These include improving network security, prioritizing software updates, and strengthening password policies. Additionally, many US respondents (49 percent) are focusing on using more data encryption solutions to protect their data.
Read the full report here for more insights on how businesses can fight deepfake fraud while addressing privacy concerns and ensuring compliance.
