The most unsettling conversations with cybersecurity professionals aren't about complex hacks, but the increasingly human-sounding scams targeting everyday people. Recently, I spoke with a leading expert about a growing threat: deepfake audio and video used to impersonate loved ones in moments of crisis.
The sophistication is terrifying. It’s no longer about poorly worded emails; scammers are now capable of real-time voice cloning and visual mimicry, convincingly portraying individuals during urgent phone calls. Imagine believing your aunt is pleading for help, only to discover it’s a fabricated emergency orchestrated by someone continents away.
But there’s a surprisingly simple defense, a tactic offered by a chief technology officer at a major security firm. The key isn’t elaborate security protocols, but a deceptively casual question – one only the real person could answer.
Think of it as a personal knowledge check. If your spouse called with an emergency, instead of immediately reacting, ask, “Hey, what did we have for dinner last night?” The power lies in the mundane. It’s a detail too insignificant to be publicly known or easily guessed.
The question should be open-ended, prompting a genuine recollection rather than a simple “yes” or “no.” Consider asking about a specific product recommendation: “What was that soap you suggested?” or a household item: “Where do we keep the extra cat litter?” The more ordinary, the better.
If the person on the line is a prolific social media user, adjust your approach. Shift to questions about deeply personal, private matters – things they’d never share publicly. This recalibration is crucial to avoid easily obtainable information.
This tactic echoes the concept of a pre-arranged “verbal password,” a secret phrase to confirm identity. And don’t hesitate to layer your defenses. If suspicion lingers, pose multiple questions, increasing their specificity as the stakes rise.
A final, crucial point: transparency is key. Inform your family and friends about this practice beforehand. A sudden barrage of personal questions during a genuine crisis could understandably damage trust and create unnecessary conflict.
