Executive Summary
- Nefarious actors are using machine learning to create deepfake voices, synthetic audio creations that have the same vocal, intonation, and pacing structure as an individual you may know very well.
- Earlier The latest cyber-attack has implications for both the public and private sector. In one high-profile case, cybercriminals used deepfake audio to impersonate a German CEO’s voice. Most recently, a voice clone of Senator Marco Rubio was used in calls to foreign and domestic officials—highlighting the national security risks of this technology.
- Consider contacting RMS International’s Intelligence Services for custom enhanced security measures, such as implementing audio-detection tools, and vulnerability assessments to help bolster your company’s cyber-security measures.
Situation Report (SITREP)
There used to be a saying, “if it looks like a duck, acts like a duck, and sounds like a duck; chances are it’s a duck.” The logic seemed sound until the recent rapid and exponential rise in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Nefarious actors are using machine learning to create deepfake voices, synthetic audio creations that have the same vocal, intonation, and pacing structure as an individual you may know very well. In an era where seeing isn’t always believing, hearing isn’t safe anymore either. Deepfake audio—once the stuff of sci-fi thrillers—is now a real and growing threat to businesses, governments, and individuals. With the rise of generative AI tools capable of mimicking voices with eerie accuracy, audio impersonation attacks are escalating in frequency and impact. Audio deepfakes use AI to synthesize human speech, replicating a person’s voice after just a few seconds of recorded audio. These synthetic voices can be deployed in phone calls, voicemails, or even real-time voice chats to impersonate CEOs, politicians, family members, or trusted colleagues. Unlike traditional phishing, which relies on suspicious links or grammar mistakes, deepfake audio feels real—because it sounds real.
The latest cyber-attack has implications for both the public and private sector. In one high-profile case, cybercriminals used deepfake audio to impersonate a German CEO’s voice, convincing a UK executive to transfer $243,000 to a fraudulent account. The voice even carried the CEO’s accent and intonation. Most recently, a voice clone of Senator Marco Rubio was used in calls to foreign and domestic officials—highlighting the national security risks of this technology.
Audio impersonation attacks are dangerously effective for several reasons. People are used to hearing voices and trusting them, so there is not a lot of suspicion or “clues” like wonky email addresses or misspellings. Unlike video deepfakes, audio can be deployed over phone or VoIP—anywhere, anytime. Cyber-attackers can now create conversations on-the-fly using voice models and live input allowing for real time manipulation.
Impact Analysis and Recommended Course of Action:
One of the biggest risks posed by cyber-criminals or hackers is that security procedures and policies seem to always be playing “catch up” in a world of new and emerging technological threats. While it may be hard to detect an audio deep fake there are several measures you can employ to safeguard information an asset. Communicating parities should use code words or verbal authentication for high-value transactions. Even within executive teams, a secondary confirmation process can prevent costly mistakes. Individuals are advised to verify voice instructions with a secondary communication channel, double-checking unexpected requests through a different medium (email, video call, in-person) can mitigate the risk posed by audio deepfakes. In every cyber-security apparatus, humans are always the weakest link. Educate your personnel. Security awareness training should now include AI threats and explain how to spot them. Consider contacting RMS International’s Intelligence Services for custom enhanced security measures, such as implementing audio-detection tools, and vulnerability assessments to help bolster your company’s cyber-security measures. Audio deepfakes aren’t coming—they’re already here. The same technology that can resurrect historical voices or help people with speech disabilities can also manipulate, defraud, and disrupt at scale. Security is no longer just about passwords or firewalls—it’s about trust, and trust is being hijacked one voice at a time.
About RMS International:
Founded in 2012, RMS International provides ad hoc and contracted close protection, estate security, international travel management, corporate executive protection, personnel and asset security, and discreet investigative services. Operating a state-of-the-art Risk Operations Center in West Palm Beach, they provide 24/7 overwatch of global operations in Asia, Europe, Africa and throughout the Americas. RMS International delivers peace of mind in a chaotic world. Connect with us at RMSIUSA.com