Bitdefender has unveiled a global initiative titled 'They Wear Our Faces', aimed at raising awareness about the increasing sophistication of online scams, particularly those involving deepfake video and voice cloning. The campaign is strategically timed to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

The campaign seeks to educate consumers on the growing prevalence of deepfake scams, which exploit trust and relationships, affecting both younger and older generations. The National Anti-Scam Centre in Australia has already issued warnings about the rise of such scams in 2024, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance.

Bitdefender's campaign is designed to arm consumers with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and defend against these scams. The initiative will offer a range of resources, including educational blogs, research reports, best practices, and access to Bitdefender's anti-scam and security technologies.

According to The Global State of Scams 2024 Report, global losses from scams and fraud have exceeded $1 trillion USD. A survey conducted by Bitdefender involving 7,000 consumers revealed that 45% had encountered scams via text messaging, while 44% had faced fraud attempts. These findings highlight the widespread impact of such fraudulent activities.

Deepfake videos and voice cloning, which utilise AI to replicate individuals' faces and voices with striking realism, have become a preferred method for fraudsters. Mihaela Paun, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the Consumer Solutions Group at Bitdefender, emphasised the transformative impact of AI in the realm of cybercrime. "The rapid rise of AI adoption by cybercriminals to dupe people out of money, steal personal information, and infiltrate digital lives has become a game changer," Paun stated.

Paun further noted the increasing difficulty in detecting scams, saying, "What were once easy-to-spot scams are now increasingly convincing and emotionally manipulative. In particular, deepfake videos and voice cloning continue to evolve, making it more important than ever for consumers to stay vigilant."

Bitdefender, a cybersecurity company established in 2001, serves customers in over 170 countries and maintains a global presence with offices worldwide. Its technology is licensed by more than 180 technology brands, reflecting its extensive reach and influence in the cybersecurity sector.

The campaign aims to mitigate the risks associated with deepfake scams by promoting awareness and encouraging the adoption of simple best practices. Paun highlighted the potential impact of these efforts, stating, "By raising awareness, encouraging simple best practices, and leveraging proven security technologies, we can significantly reduce the risk for families worldwide."