How To Spot and Stop AI Deepfakes Before They Fool You

Deepfakes are artificially created images, videos, or audio files that are generated by training AI models on real footage or audio, allowing them to replicate the tone, mannerisms, and physical appearance of the subject.

At their most harmless, deepfakes power face-swapping apps and viral celebrity mashups—think the this-is-what-you’ll-look-like-when-you’re-100-years-old filter. Under the surface, there’s a much darker and more dangerous use: misinformation, manipulation, and fraud.

For example:

• A deepfake video might show a world leader declaring war, even though it never happened.
• An audio clip could replicate your CEO’s voice instructing an employee to transfer funds.
• A synthetic image could be used to damage someone’s reputation or impersonate an identity.

These aren’t just edited or photoshopped files; they’re synthetic media created by algorithms and designed to trick people into believing something that isn’t true. As AI technology becomes more affordable and accessible, the volume and quality of deepfakes is expected to increase rapidly.

One of the scariest aspects of AI-generated deepfakes is their remarkable credibility. When people trust what they see or hear, they’re less likely to question it—that’s exactly what cybercriminals are counting on.

Threat actors can use deepfakes to:

• Scam businesses and individuals into transferring money or giving up sensitive information.
• Create nonconsensual content, such as manipulated employee photos or revenge content.
• Spread disinformation, especially during market disruptions or global events.
• Launch cyberattacks, for example, a fake video from a tech CEO claiming a data breach that causes panic.
• Steal identities and masquerade as someone else in a highly believable way.

You’d be surprised at how easily deepfakes can trick your brain. However, many have subtle flaws that can aid detection if you educate yourself and know where to look.

1.    Skin Texture and Movement

Zoom in. Are the skin tones too smooth, like a plastic doll? Maybe the wrinkles shift unnaturally when the person moves. Real skin has pores, freckles, and subtle flaws that most deepfakes struggle to mimic.

2.    Eyes and Eyebrows

Ever stare into someone’s eyes and feel like something’s…off? Deepfakes often have eyes that blink too slowly or not at all. Eyeglasses can also give it away—pay attention to see if the glare matches the light source.

3.    Hairline and Strands

Hair should move naturally and show individual strands. If it appears overly smoothed out or as if it’s slightly hovering off the scalp, take a second look.

4.    Voice and Audio Sync

Check that the voice matches the speaker’s lip movements. Desynchronized audio or robotic intonation is a common red flag.

5.    Hands, Fingers, and Feet

AI has a tough time replicating hands and fingers accurately. Extra fingers, oddly shaped hands, or unnatural movements can be telltale signs that you’re dealing with a deepfake.

6.    Odd Accessories

Accessories like jewelry and glasses should sit properly and respond to light and movement. Look for anything that flickers, floats, or seems out of alignment.

7.    Unnatural Speech Patterns

Monotone delivery, awkward pauses, or speech that sounds overly rehearsed might mean the person on screen isn’t real.

8.    Background Clues

Shadows, reflections, and background motion should be consistent with the subject. A static or overly blurred background can be a sign of manipulation.

9.    Context Mismatch

Consider whether the setting and visuals align with the message. Discrepancies in location, lighting, or timing can suggest that something is off.

10.  Sensationalism

If the message feels overly dramatic, unexpected, or designed to provoke an emotional response, treat it with skepticism. Always verify before reacting.

Caught something suspicious? Here’s what to do:

• Think Before You Share. Don’t amplify potential disinformation.
• Report the Content. Most platforms have tools to flag deepfakes.
• Educate Your Team. Security Awareness Training can make a huge difference.
• Verify through reputable sources. Cross-check news or content across multiple platforms.

Deepfakes can affect anyone, but they pose the greatest risks to industries and individuals that rely on trust and verification:

• Executives and employees can be easy targets of voice or video phishing (“vishing”) scams.
• Government officials, journalists, and public figures are especially vulnerable to manipulated statements.
• Finance and HR teams can be targeted for wire transfers, payroll, and sensitive data.
• High-visibility individuals can be at risk for identity theft or privacy violations.

At High Touch Technologies, we understand how quickly digital threats evolve. From deepfakes to phishing scams, your business needs more than just firewalls—you need awareness, protection, and a proactive partner.

Our team offers:

• Security Awareness Training (SAT) to help your employees spot and stop social engineering attempts.
• Cybersecurity Risk Assessments that identify and address vulnerabilities.
• IT Consulting and Managed IT Services tailored to make things easier for your organization.

Let’s work together to protect your business from the next generation of digital deception—contact us today to learn how we can help you stay ahead of cyberthreats.