Ferrari Executive Targeted in Deepfake Scam Attempt
An official from Ferrari NV recently encountered an alarming circumstance involving mails and a phone conversation.
A Ferrari NV executive recently experienced an alarming situation involving messages and a phone call that appeared to come from the company’s CEO, Benedetto Vigna.
The messages, seemingly from Vigna, mentioned a confidential acquisition and requested the executive’s assistance. However, discrepancies in the messages, including a different profile picture and an unusual phone number, raised suspicion.
Suspicious Communication and Deepfake Discovery:
The communication took a strange turn when the executive received a phone call purportedly from Vigna. The caller, using deep fake technology, mimicked Vigna’s voice and explained that he was using a different number to discuss confidential matters. The executive noticed subtle mechanical intonations in the voice and grew suspicious.
To verify the caller’s identity, the executive posed a personal question about a book Vigna had recently recommended. The deepfaker was unable to answer, abruptly ending the call. Ferrari immediately initiated an internal investigation to address the incident.
Rising Trend of Deepfake Scams:
This incident is not isolated; in May, Mark Read, CEO of advertising giant WPP Plc, was also targeted in a similar deep fake scam. The increasing use of deep fake technology to impersonate high-profile individuals poses significant risks.
Expert Insights:
Stefano Zanero, a professor of cybersecurity at Italy’s Politecnico di Milano, commented on the situation, stating that deepfake tools are becoming more sophisticated and accurate.
This trend underscores the need for elevated awareness and stronger verification measures in corporate communications to prevent such scams.
