Deepfake Attack on Senator Ben Cardin: A Wake-Up Call for SMBs

As the owner of a managed IT service business in Orange County, I’m seeing firsthand how cyber threats are evolving in alarming ways. One of the latest examples highlights just how sophisticated these threats have become. 

The Incident: A Sophisticated Deepfake Attempt

Senator Ben Cardin was recently targeted in an elaborate deepfake scheme centered around his professional association with Dmytro Kuleba, the former Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs. The attackers sent an email impersonating Kuleba, whom Cardin already knew from past interactions, creating a sense of familiarity and trust.

The senator’s office set up a Zoom meeting, which seemed like a live audio-video connection with Kuleba, appearing and sounding consistent with their previous encounters. However, during the meeting, things began to feel off. "Kuleba" started asking politically charged questions, such as whether Cardin supported long-range missiles into Russian territory and other sensitive topics related to the upcoming election. It was at this point that the senator and his staff realized something was wrong. They ended the call and reached out to the U.S. Department of State, which confirmed that the real Kuleba was not involved.

What Are Deepfakes?

Deepfakes are AI-generated videos or audio clips designed to convincingly mimic real people. Attackers can use this technology to impersonate executives, clients, or even government officials. In the case of Senator Cardin, a fake Zoom call was set up, making it look like he was communicating with a trusted foreign official. For businesses, these attacks can create chaos, leading to financial loss, reputational damage, or even compromising sensitive information.

The Threat of Deepfakes for Businesses

This incident highlights how cybercriminals are using deepfakes to impersonate trusted individuals, manipulate situations, and extract sensitive information. For SMBs, this type of attack could be used to impersonate a CEO, client, or key supplier, potentially leading to severe consequences, such as:

1. Financial Loss: Imagine receiving what appears to be a Zoom call from a trusted partner, instructing your finance team to wire funds to a specific account. Deepfakes can be convincing enough to bypass normal caution, resulting in unauthorized transactions and financial loss.

2. Reputational Damage: As seen in the attack on Senator Cardin, deepfake attackers may seek to elicit controversial statements or trick individuals into making damaging remarks. For businesses, such situations could lead to reputational damage and loss of customer trust.

3. Corporate Espionage: Deepfakes can also be used as tools for corporate espionage. By impersonating a senior executive or business partner, attackers can trick employees into sharing proprietary or sensitive information, putting your company at risk.

Deepfakes Are Not Just a Political Threat

According to a recent report shared by Trend Micro, 80% of consumers have encountered deepfake images, and 64% have seen deepfake videos. Even more concerning, 35% of respondents reported experiencing a deepfake scam firsthand, with many others saying they knew someone who had fallen victim. The prevalence of deepfake technology is rapidly increasing, and cybercriminals are now using these tools to exploit businesses of all sizes.

Protecting Your Business from Deepfake Threats

The key to defending against deepfake attacks is preparedness and vigilance. Here are some steps to protect your business:

1. Employee Training: Awareness is critical. Train your team, especially executives and finance staff, to be cautious of unexpected requests, even if they seem to come from a familiar source. Teach them to look for red flags like unusual behavior, inconsistencies in requests, or unexpected urgency.

2. Verification Procedures: Establish verification protocols for sensitive activities. For instance, if a payment request is made during a Zoom call, have a policy that requires additional verification through a separate communication channel, such as a direct phone call or email confirmation.

3. Rotating Unique Phrases for High-Value Transactions: Consider using unique phrases or codes for high-value transactions or payments. If a request exceeds a specific threshold, require the recipient to provide a previously agreed-upon code. This step adds a layer of security that even the most convincing deepfake may not be able to bypass.

4. Leverage Technology Solutions: There are emerging technologies designed to detect deepfakes. Implementing these tools can provide an additional layer of defense to identify manipulated audio or video before a situation escalates.

5. Establish a Clear Escalation Plan: Have a process in place for employees to escalate concerns. If something feels off, whether it’s a Zoom call, email, or other communication, employees should have a way to quickly report it and get further verification before taking action.

Don’t Let Your Business Become a Victim

The deepfake attack on Senator Cardin underscores the growing threat that this technology poses to businesses everywhere. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly adept at using sophisticated methods to deceive and exploit targets. Whether through email, video calls, or other channels, these attacks are evolving, and small and medium-sized businesses are not exempt.

I encourage you to have conversations with your executive team about the risks of deepfakes and how you can better protect your organization. It’s essential to prioritize training, implement verification measures, and stay informed on the latest cyber threats. As your MSP partner, we’re here to help you navigate these challenges and ensure your business remains secure.

Together, we can fortify your business against the dangers of deepfakes and other cyber threats. If you have any questions or need support in enhancing your cybersecurity strategy, please don’t hesitate to reach out.