I just read about a small firm that lost $50k because their accountant thought the CEO called and asked for an "emergency" wire transfer. The voice was perfect! As a small company, we don't have fancy biometric tech. How can we prevent "Vishing" or deepfake voice attacks when the technology is getting so good that you can't tell the difference anymore?
3 answers
The answer isn't a technical tool; it’s a "procedural" tool. Since early 2024, my company has a "Code Word" policy. If the CEO or any executive calls with an "urgent" request that deviates from normal process, they must provide a pre-set code word. We also have a strict "Two-Person Verification" rule for any transfer over $1,000. You have to call back the person on a known number to verify the request. AI can fake a voice, but it can't fake a "Callback" to a physical device you control. It’s about building a culture where "Questioning the Boss" is the standard safety protocol.
Stephanie, what happens if the "code word" gets leaked? If an attacker gets into your Slack or email, they might find the document where those words are stored and use them against you.
We tell our team: "If it's an emergency wire transfer, it's probably a scam." Real emergencies go through the bank's fraud department.
Ryan, exactly! High pressure and a sense of "urgency" are the two biggest red flags in any communication, AI-generated or not.
Kevin, that's why the code word is never written down in a digital file. We share it verbally during our monthly all-hands and change it frequently. It's more like a "challenge-response" phrase. Even better is the "Callback" rule. If someone calls you, you hang up and call them back using the directory number. This breaks the "Social Engineering" spell because you are now the one initiating the connection through a trusted channel. It’s the simplest way to defeat deepfakes.