Deepfake technology enables the creation of highly realistic images, videos and audio using artificial intelligence and machine learning. The result is convincing content that appears authentic, but is entirely fabricated.
In the e-learning The Danger of Deepfakes, employees learn why this technology poses serious risks to online security, privacy and trust. The course explains that deepfakes are no longer limited to entertainment, but are increasingly used for fraud, scams, blackmail and manipulation.
Through story-driven scenarios, participants see how deepfakes can affect everyday people. In one situation, someone questions whether a video of a known person is real. In another, an individual becomes the victim of a deepfake explicit video shared without consent. These examples highlight how quickly reputational damage can occur and how severe the personal impact can be.
The course explains what deepfakes are and where the term originates (deep learning and fake). It covers different forms, including manipulated videos, fake images, cloned voices and fabricated text. Employees learn why detecting deepfakes becomes increasingly difficult as technology advances.
Nevertheless, warning signs still exist. Participants learn to critically assess:
- video and audio quality
- unnatural movements or facial expressions
- inconsistent lighting or backgrounds
- discrepancies with known behaviour or speech patterns
The course also focuses on verification and fact-checking. Consulting multiple sources, checking the origin of content and using specialised detection tools can help prevent deception. The importance of not sharing content without verification is strongly emphasised.
Cybercriminal use of deepfakes is also addressed. Deepfakes can support CEO fraud, identity theft, political manipulation and extortion. While traditional attacks such as phishing remain common, deepfake-related crime is expected to grow.
The course concludes with clear guidance: remain critical, verify sources, do not share content when in doubt and report suspicious material. This empowers employees to protect themselves, colleagues and the organisation.
What will participants learn?
After completing this course, participants will:
- understand what deepfakes are and how they are created
- recognise different forms of deepfake misuse
- know why deepfakes are increasingly difficult to detect
- identify warning signs of manipulated video and audio
- understand how verification and fact-checking help
- act consciously to prevent deception
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for:
- all employees who view or share online content
- organisations aiming to prevent fraud and reputational harm
- teams working in communication, finance or management
- employees without technical or AI expertise
Why this course is relevant right now
Deepfake technology is evolving rapidly. Teaching employees to think critically and verify content reduces the risk of fraud, misinformation and long-term damage.