Information Security
AI gives rise to alarming “deepfakes”; what to watch for
Ever receive a frantic call from a loved one or see a video of a well-known person that just didn’t seem quite right? Those calls and videos are likely the work of AI deepfakes. As AI technology advances, compromising and misinforming AI-generated deepfakes have been spreading faster. Deepfakes can range from phone calls seemingly coming from a boss or loved one to videos of political and influential figures engaging in spreading misinformation or illicit media. With the alarming rise in deepfakes, according to NBC News, lawmakers in at least 14 states have pushed legislations that would ban deepfakes or require disclosure that media is created using AI. Given that many electronics now automatically utilize and incorporate AI, below are some tips to keep a foothold over deepfakes:
- Secret Passcode/Phrase: Use secret phrases or passcodes when speaking to loved ones so you know you’re speaking to the actual person.
- If You See Something, Say Something: Many companies will volunteer to take down deepfake media from their sites. Reach out if you see something.
- Critical Analysis: Deepfake videos may include subtle motions that look uncanny or abnormal. Keep an eye out for things that don’t seem quite right.
Works Cited:
–States turn their attention to regulating AI and deepfakes as 2024 kicks off (nbcnews.com)
–That frantic call from your loved one might actually be a scam: Here’s why (clickondetroit.com)
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Social Media Safety
Everyone loves to stay connected with each other over social media, but just how safe are the platforms we use day by day? While browsing social media in your downtime is a great way to stay connected with others, there may have been ulterior motives in the development of social media platforms to keep you coming back more often.
According to The Verge, multiple school districts have published lawsuits against major social media platforms for pursuing a growth strategy targeted towards younger audiences promoting repetitive use behaviors regardless of physical or mental health concerns. In addition to an overuse of social media, there is a risk of online predators also using these platforms. According to Malwarebytes, younger audiences are a large target for child predators with the demographic of females being age 11-13 years old having the most reported cases.
So, while heads of social media platforms are dodging subpoenas to address how they are tackling these concerns, below are some steps you can take to help protect yourself and your child from the lurking dangers of social media.
- Digitally Disconnect: Take a break from the digital noise.
- Keep Personal Data Private: Only disclose personal information with close friends and family. When meeting new people, keep information such as birthdays, addresses, phone numbers, school names, and hometown city vague. Block features can also stop repeated and unwanted incoming messages.
- Online Stranger Danger: Talk with your child about online predators, social engineering attacks, and ways to keep themselves safe.