Is Your IT Help Desk Ready for the Rise of GenAI-based Deep Fakes?

Staying ahead of malicious fraudsters is an ongoing challenge in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. The recent cyberattacks on the casino industry serve as a stark reminder of the growing sophistication of cyber threats and their consequences. As technology advances, so do cybercriminals’ capabilities, making it imperative for IT professionals to stay one step ahead in the ongoing battle for digital security.

CBS 60 Minutes recently covered the story

As the 60 Minutes story explained, technical vulnerabilities and social engineering attacks play a role. In this case, a hacker posing as an MGM employee called the IT help desk requesting a password reset. From there, fraudsters had the access they needed to cause roughly $100M in damages and lost revenue.

GenAI, the latest advancement in artificial intelligence, has enabled cybercriminals to enhance their social engineering tactics by leveraging text, images, voice, video, data, and code to replicate real people with alarming accuracy, the implications of which are profound. It enables cybercriminals to automate and personalize social engineering tactics with unprecedented precision. From crafting tailored phishing emails to impersonating trusted individuals via voice or video calls, GenAI opens up new avenues for deception and manipulation that traditional security measures are ill-equipped to counter, as we saw in this case.

Traditional authentication methods present another weakness for enterprises, including static passwords, which have long been a primary target for cybercriminals. Relying solely on static credentials leaves organizations exposed to the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. Recognizing this challenge, IT professionals are turning to low-friction identity verification solutions as a proactive measure to bolster their defenses. Such methods, as those offered by Trusona’s ATO Protect, represent a paradigm shift in cybersecurity. By leveraging factors such as device data, geo-location, document scanning, and patent-pending MITM detection, ATO Protect enhances security and arms companies against both deep fakes and the vulnerabilities GenAI exposes.

The benefits extend beyond thwarting cyber threats; they also contribute to operational efficiency and cost savings for organizations. By reducing the likelihood of successful cyberattacks, IT professionals can minimize the potential financial and reputational damage associated with data breaches. ATO Protect enables a streamlined account takeover handling process that translates into fewer support tickets related to password resets, freeing up valuable resources for other critical tasks. Furthermore, this approach also enhances the overall user experience.

The rising tide and constant evolution of cyber threats with GenAI necessitate a revised approach to cybersecurity for IT help desks. By embracing low-friction identity verification solutions like ATO Protect, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with static credentials and enhance their overall security. As the threat landscape evolves, investing in the right tools and strategies is paramount to protecting sensitive information and maintaining business continuity.