Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered face attacks illustrate the evolving dangers of the digital age. A typical “face attack” begins with the fraudsters collecting publicly available images and voice extracts from social media.
These actors create convincing video and audio clones that can spoof trusted contacts or communicate with support staff.
These attacks exploit the abundance of personal data online – selfies, ID photos and casual videos are combined to create AI-generated faces capable of bypassing facial recognition systems.
Africa remains exposed to the growing threat of cyberattacks
How to protect yourself from facial attacks:
- Limit public exposure: Adjust privacy settings on social platforms to reduce access to personal photos.
- Secure your devices: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid saving login credentials on mobile devices.
- Act quickly: Freeze your account if suspicious activity is detected. Report lost or stolen devices immediately.
- Check communications: always check calls or messages
- Stay alert: If something seems strange, stop and check it out. Vigilance remains the strongest self-defense.
At a time when facial recognition technology is becoming increasingly common, protecting yourself against facial attacks is no longer optional.
By taking these steps, you not only protect your digital identity, but you also help promote a safer online environment for everyone.
