Bitdefender has launched “They Wear Our Faces”, a worldwide campaign warning of the rapid escalation in AI-powered fraud.
The initiative, introduced during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, addresses the use of deepfake videos and synthetic voices in scamming operations. Bitdefender said it aims to raise awareness and equip consumers with the means to detect digital impersonation.
“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,” said Mihaela Paun, Bitdefender’s Senior Vice President for Consumer Solutions.
Paun warned that what were once easy-to-spot phishing schemes have evolved into emotionally manipulative and convincing scams that exploit human trust.
According to The Global State of Scams 2024 Report, global losses have surpassed $1 trillion (USD). A Bitdefender survey of 7,000 consumers revealed that 45% had experienced scam attempts via text message, and 44% had encountered direct fraud attempts.
Deepfake technology allows criminals to replicate real people’s voices and faces with remarkable accuracy, from public figures to family members, creating a powerful illusion of authenticity that bypasses traditional security tools.
“Deepfake videos and voice cloning continue to evolve, making it more important than ever for consumers to stay vigilant,” Paun said.
They Wear Our Faces provides blogs, reports, and security tools to help users identify scams and improve digital literacy. The campaign promotes individual responsibility and awareness rather than reliance on regulation, reflecting a market-driven approach to cybersecurity resilience.
“By raising awareness, encouraging simple best practices, and leveraging proven security technologies, we can significantly reduce the risk for families worldwide,” Paun added.