Australian firms combat rising AI-driven deepfake threats

Australian companies are increasingly focused on countering deepfake cyber threats, following a rise in AI-driven attacks.

According to GetApp's 2024 Executive Cybersecurity Survey, 66% of IT and cybersecurity professionals from Australian organisations have developed specific measures against deepfake attacks. The survey received responses from 241 Australian IT and cybersecurity experts and highlighted concerns about AI-driven impersonations and ID fraud.

Deepfake attacks utilise artificial intelligence to create convincing fake images, videos, and voices, posing a significant threat to businesses. These attacks reduce the effectiveness of biometric authentication and damage trust in corporate communications.

To address these risks, Australian businesses are employing various measures, such as training simulations, network security audits, and investing in deepfake detection tools. Despite this, only 47% of Australian businesses currently employ simulation exercises for deepfake prevention, lagging behind the global average of 55%.

The report also reveals that 88% of Australian companies have increased their cybersecurity investments over the past 18 months, exceeding the global average of 77%. Network security improvements (53%), executive training on security matters (49%), and the use of data encryption (48%) are among the top measures being implemented.

Biometric authentication continues to be a vital part of organisational security, with 97% of Australian professionals reporting satisfaction with its results, despite concerns over its vulnerability to AI attacks. Biometric systems such as fingerprint (78%) and facial recognition (68%) align closely with global averages and are critical in multi-factor authentication strategies.

Nonetheless, privacy concerns linked to biometric authentication are causing companies to reassess their security approaches. Around 64% of Australian businesses mandate biometric solutions to protect company systems, but privacy issues and sophisticated AI threats are driving a reassessment.

The survey indicates that 51% of Australian IT professionals identify privacy concerns as a significant challenge with biometric security, with 80% of companies already employing such measures expressing concern about AI's ability to create synthetic identities.

In response to these challenges, GetApp's report recommends adopting low-cost cybersecurity measures like enhanced password policies, routine system updates, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to bolster security infrastructure.

Andrew Blair, Content Analyst at GetApp, commented, "AI-generated threats like deepfake represent a significant challenge for businesses, especially with the growing reliance on biometrics." He added, "However, the data shows that Australian companies are stepping up to the challenge by investing in stronger cybersecurity measures and preparing for the evolving threat of AI-driven impersonation attacks."