Cybersecurity threats rise through deepfakes and silent calls

Cybercriminals are increasingly using sophisticated digital tactics to target users through various communication channels. One prevalent method involves silent calls, where a recipient answers and the caller immediately hangs up. Experts from Kaspersky warn that these interactions can be used to confirm active phone numbers, identify response patterns, and collect voice samples to be used for identity impersonation via artificial intelligence.

Other emerging threats include deepfakes, which use AI to manipulate audio and video to mimic specific individuals, and social engineering via WhatsApp, such as sending single-view photos containing sensitive content to extort money through fear and shame. Additionally, platforms like Binance have issued alerts regarding fraudulent messages that mimic security notifications to steal credentials or funds.

To mitigate these risks, security experts recommend using built-in smartphone features to block spam and unknown callers on both Android and iPhone. Users are advised to be skeptical of urgent requests for money, avoid clicking suspicious links in SMS or emails, and utilize tools like two-factor authentication and anti-phishing codes to protect their accounts.