Deepfakes Intensify Phishing Attacks: How to Spot the Fakes

amersfoort, zaterdag, 31 mei 2025.
The rise of deepfakes makes phishing attacks in the Netherlands more dangerous than ever. This advanced forgery technology is increasingly being used to deceive people, with the aim of obtaining personal information or money. Although deepfakes can be convincing, there are small inconsistencies such as unnatural blinking or stiff movements that can raise suspicion. Security agencies are working on new methods to combat these threats, but caution and critical thinking remain crucial to identifying deepfake phishing.

The Growing Threat of Deepfakes

Deepfakes, realistic forgeries of videos and audio recordings, are being used more frequently to carry out phishing attacks. This technology makes it possible to create convincing forgeries that are difficult to distinguish from real content. In the Netherlands, this trend is being closely monitored, especially because the risk of fraud and identity theft has significantly increased. Scammers use deepfakes to enhance phishing attacks, enabling them to elicit quick decisions, such as transferring money or sharing data [1].

How Deepfakes Enhance Phishing Attacks

Deepfakes are created using two neural networks that work against each other: one generates the forgery, and the other checks its credibility. This makes it possible, for example, to imitate a ‘CEO’ demanding an urgent payment. The attacks are designed to elicit quick decisions through emotional engagement. Small inconsistencies, such as unnatural blinking or stiff movements, can raise suspicion, but these are often subtle and hard to detect without specialised knowledge [1][2].

Practical Tips to Identify Deepfake Phishing

To identify deepfake phishing attacks, it is important to remain critical and cautious about unexpected requests. Here are some practical tips:

Look for inconsistencies: Watch for small irregularities such as unnatural blinking, stiff movements, or uneven voices.
Verify the source: If you doubt a message, try to contact the sender through a known and trusted channel.
Enhance security: Use two-factor authentication (2FA) and other security measures to protect your accounts.
Stay informed: Regularly attend training sessions and updates on the latest cybersecurity trends, such as those offered by KnowBe4 [3].

Combating Deepfake Phishing

Security agencies and technology companies are collaborating on new methods to combat deepfake phishing. Veo3, a platform by Google DeepMind, launched new anti-deepfake tools on 27 May 2025 to protect businesses from advanced cyberattacks [2]. Additionally, companies like Persona and McAfee offer advanced AI tools to detect and neutralise deepfakes. These tools combine machine learning, biometric authentication, and real-time identity verification to minimise risks [4][5].

Implications for Media Literacy and Democracy

The rise of deepfakes has far-reaching implications for media literacy and democracy. It is crucial that citizens and organisations remain critical and learn to recognise fake news and forgeries. Education and training in media and information skills are essential to raise awareness of the dangers of deepfakes. Moreover, governments and institutions must act proactively to ensure the integrity of information and communication [6][7].