I have a challenge for you. Can you spot AI-generated content? And more importantly… can you identify such photos and video right now? The stakes are higher than ever: scammers are using deepfakes to go after ordinary people’s money. Learning to tell the difference between real and fake images can keep your bank balance intact and save you from intense stress if you’re hit with an emergency scam.

Here’s the problem: Generative AI keeps improving, so the clues that let you know it’s not real change continually, too. Back in December, an NPR quiz tested my ability to identify AI slop videos (and I failed). I used what I learned there to scroll through my Instagram feed more carefully and did better at recognizing fake content. But last week, the BBC published a quiz for telling apart AI-generated faces from real ones in photographs. Suddenly I found myself once more getting tripped up, despite recently reading fresh tips on how to spot AI content.

If this were just about fake but heartwarming animal videos, it wouldn’t be as big of a deal. Unfortunately, deepfakes are now a tool for financial fraud. Scammers can impersonate a loved one in a video call or create a realistic image of a stolen credit card. The consequences can be devastating. You can’t rely on deepfake detection tools yet, either. They’re not reliable enough to trust fully. At best, using one is similar to asking a lightly knowledgeable friend for their take. You still have to decide for yourself.

So what’s the latest advice? The BBC quiz shares experts’ tips on what to look for, like facial symmetry and expressiveness. What’s encouraging is that a little bit of study goes a long way—researchers discovered detection accuracy rose from 40 to 80 percent among study participants with even just an hour of exposure to real and fake images, plus tips on what to look for. I can’t claim that much improvement, but even between the first and second quizzes in the article, I did a lot better during the second go. Of course, these new tips won’t help indefinitely—it wasn’t long ago we all looked for six-fingered hands. Generative AI’s development keeps pushing along quickly. Still, awareness is a small victory in this ongoing war of fact versus fiction. Knowing that something could be fake already reduces my automatic acceptance of video and photo as truth.

Beyond the immediate threat of deepfake scams, the broader landscape of digital security is filled with other risks that require constant vigilance. In the past week alone, several major vulnerabilities and privacy concerns have emerged, reminding us that staying safe online is a continuous effort. From critical flaws in widely used apps like Zoom to surprising security holes in smart home devices like robot vacuums, the need to keep software updated and to review permissions is more important than ever. Let’s dive into the latest security news that you need to know.

Critical Zoom Vulnerabilities: Update Now

Zoom has disclosed that critical vulnerabilities in its desktop app could allow a hacker to take over an account. These flaws affect both Windows and macOS versions. The company has released patches; applying the latest update closes the security gaps. Users are strongly advised to update Zoom immediately. The vulnerabilities could be exploited through malicious links or files sent in chat, so caution is also warranted when receiving unexpected messages, even from known contacts.

Shark Robot Vacuum Security Weakness Exposed

A security researcher discovered that his Shark robot vacuum could be hacked to peek into other owners’ homes. The data he could access included live video feed, Wi-Fi credentials, and maps of home layouts. This is a stark reminder that connected devices in our homes are potential entry points for attackers. The researcher uncovered that the vulnerability allowed him to view feeds from other Shark vacuums in the same geographic region. While Shark has likely issued a firmware fix, users should ensure their devices are updated and consider placing smart home gadgets on a separate guest network to isolate them from more sensitive devices.

Microsoft Edge’s Scareware Blocker: A Free Tool

Scareware is a tactic where bad actors use apps or websites to show fake warnings about your PC, so that you’ll pay for unnecessary services. Some antivirus software blocks it automatically, but Microsoft’s Edge browser also has free built-in protection against scareware websites. On some PCs, this feature is on by default. On others (often older), you’ll have to enable it manually. To check, head to Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services > Security. Scroll down and find Scareware blocker. The toggle will be green when on—if not, just click it to activate.

Data Brokers: How to Opt Out

If data leaks weren’t bad enough, data brokers exist, too. These companies gather information on you from all kinds of sources (mostly legit), then let anyone on the web purchase access to your profile. You can opt out, but it takes some effort. Start by visiting the websites of major data brokers like Acxiom, Epsilon, and Oracle Data Cloud, and follow their opt-out procedures. The process can be tedious, but it reduces your exposure. There are also subscription services that handle opt-outs for you, but the most effective approach is a combination of manual opt-outs and careful management of your online footprint.

The security landscape is constantly shifting, and the rise of generative AI adds a new layer of complexity. While deepfake detection tools are not yet reliable, continuous education and a skeptical eye remain our best defenses. Meanwhile, keep your software updated, review the permissions of your smart devices, and use built-in browser protections like Edge’s scareware blocker. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can navigate the digital world more safely.

Source: PCWorld News