Cybersecurity company McAfee alerts that scammers exploit American celebrities. These fraudsters use artificial intelligence to create fake videos featuring these celebrities, deceiving consumers into believing the content is genuine. The advancements in AI technology provide cybercriminals with opportunities to use celebrities’ images to mislead people.
AI and Deepfake Technology
McAfee identifies that while AI transforms various sectors, it also equips cybercriminals with a powerful new tool: deepfake technology. Deepfake videos imitate a person’s likeness and voice, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and fake content.
“The advancement of AI has changed many sectors but also provided cybercriminals with a powerful tool: deepfake. Videos or audio recordings created with these technologies make it nearly impossible to determine what is real or fake.” -McAfee.
Most Targeted Celebrities
According to McAfee’s Celerity Hacker Hotlist, the most targeted celebrities include actress Scarlett Johansson, reality star Kylie Jenner, and singer Taylor Swift. Other frequently exploited names include Anya Taylor-Joy, Tom Hanks, Sabrina Carpenter, Sydney Sweeney, Blake Lively, Johnny Depp, and Addison Rae.
Cybercriminals leverage the popularity and reputation of these celebrities to entice users into clicking malicious links. These links typically lead users to download harmful software and access personal information like bank account details.
Recently, Binance founder CZ issued a similar warning, noting that various videos featuring him are circulating. Individuals should remain cautious when encountering videos that seem to promote opportunities, as they often create a false sense of urgency.
In conclusion, the misuse of celebrity images can lead to significant financial and reputational losses for both consumers and celebrities alike. It is crucial for users to exercise caution and steer clear of suspicious links to protect themselves from such scams.
