Cybersecurity experts suggest security words to combat voice cloning scams

Cybersecurity firm ESET has proposed the use of a “security word” to combat increasingly convincing deepfake voice cloning scams. Criminals are using AI to mimic voices from short social media clips to conduct “virtual kidnapping” frauds, where they impersonate relatives in distress to deceive victims.

To verify identity during suspicious calls, ESET suggests families establish a unique, pre-agreed phrase that is easy for members to remember but difficult for outsiders to guess. Experts warn against using predictable information like birthdays or pet names. If a caller cannot provide the word, the recommendation is to hang up and call the individual back on a known, trusted number.