top of page

When the CEO Calls and It’s Not Really Them

  • axaysafeaeon
  • Jul 1
  • 2 min read

Deepfake Phishing Is the New Corporate Scam You Can’t Ignore

You're at your desk. Your phone rings. The caller ID says it's your CEO. You answer, and their voice, familiar and confident, asks for a quick favor: “Can you process a wire transfer? It’s urgent.”

You don’t think twice. But later, you find out it wasn’t your CEO.

It was a deepfake.

deepfake phishing

What Is Deepfake Phishing?

Deepfake phishing is a modern form of business fraud where cybercriminals use synthetic audio or video to impersonate high-ranking executives. Unlike traditional phishing emails, this isn't about fake logos or spoofed domains.

It targets your senses, using the voice, tone, and even the video appearance of someone you trust.


Real-World Cases

In early 2025, a UK-based firm lost 25 million dollars when a finance manager responded to a video call from the “CFO.” The entire call was later confirmed to be a deepfake.

A U.S. tech company experienced a similar incident when a fake voice message, perfectly imitating the CEO, convinced HR to share confidential employee data.

Attacks like these are becoming more frequent and far more convincing.


Why This Works So Well

  • Trust Bias: Employees are conditioned to act quickly when executives ask.

  • Urgency Tactic: Messages often include high-pressure wording.

  • Familiarity: The tone and mannerisms match the real person.

  • Technology: Voice cloning now takes just seconds of audio to work.


How to Protect Your Organization

  1. Use Multi-Level Approvals. Never complete sensitive tasks based on voice or video alone.

  2. Train Employees to Spot Unusual Behavior. If something feels off, verify through another channel.

  3. Verify Requests Internally. Use secure systems to confirm sensitive requests.

  4. Limit Public Voice Samples. Reduce exposure by limiting recorded content of executives.

  5. Use Encrypted Communication Tools. Avoid unknown platforms or links.


Final Thought

Deepfake phishing is not a future threat. It is happening now. The technology is accessible, and the attacks are convincing.

If your CEO calls, take a moment to verify. In 2025, trust alone is not enough.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page