Artificial Intelligence-generated deepfake attacks are becoming more common in the realm of hacking. The technology behind these sophisticated phishing campaigns has advanced to the point where cybercriminals can now use them to target individuals and organizations with alarming accuracy. However, even the most well-planned deepfake attacks can unravel due to unexpected factors, as demonstrated by the recent incident involving Wiz, a $10 billion startup.
During a discussion at the TechCrunch Disrupt event in San Francisco, Wiz’s CEO, Assaf Rappaport, revealed how his employees were targeted with a deepfake version of himself in a phishing attack. Despite the attackers’ efforts to create a convincing impersonation, their plan was foiled by an unforeseen obstacle: Rappaport’s public speaking anxiety.
The attack, which occurred two weeks ago, involved sending voice messages to dozens of Wiz employees, claiming to be from the CEO. The goal was to obtain credentials that would allow the attackers to infiltrate the company’s network. However, the attackers made several critical mistakes that led to the failure of their scheme.
Firstly, the deepfake was created using a recording of Rappaport speaking at a previous conference. Secondly, the attackers were unaware that Rappaport’s voice changes when he experiences public speaking anxiety. Lastly, targeting a cybersecurity company with vigilant employees who were quick to spot discrepancies in the voice message further hindered the success of the attack.
This incident serves as a reminder to always be cautious when faced with unexpected requests, especially those that involve sharing sensitive information or clicking on links. While Wiz was able to trace the origin of the voice message, the attackers themselves remained unidentified. According to Rappaport, the low risk of being caught makes AI phishing attacks a valuable tool for cybercriminals.
In conclusion, the convergence of AI technology and malicious intent poses a significant threat to cybersecurity. As deepfake attacks become more sophisticated, individuals and organizations must remain vigilant and skeptical of any unusual requests, even if they appear to come from a trusted source. By staying informed and aware of potential threats, we can better protect ourselves from falling victim to such attacks in the future.
