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Deepfakes (AI-generated audiovisual content that realistically reproduces faces, voices, and movements) have become the new face of digital deception. The term combines "deep learning" and "fake," reflecting the sophistication of these increasingly hard-to-detect falsifications. When combined with social engineering tactics, this technology forms a “perfect attack.” According to Entrust’s Identity Fraud Report 2025, digital identity fraud increased by 42% compared to the previous year, with generative AI involved in one out of every three incidents. Recent studies warn that deepfakes can distort public perception and create a false sense of trust, putting both individuals and institutions at risk.

These were some of the insights shared during the webinar “From Digital Deception to Institutional Resilience: Deepfakes, Social Engineering, and the Strategic Response of CSIRTs,” led by cybersecurity specialist Jorge Merchán from the Ecuadorian Corporation for the Development of Research and Academia (CEDIA). The event, organized by RedCLARA, marked the launch of the series “CyberBridges: Connecting the Americas for a Safer Research Future,” a joint initiative with CANARIE (Canada’s academic network), Internet2 (its U.S. counterpart), and LAC4, the regional cybersecurity hub, as part of Cybersecurity Month 2025. The first session drew over 100 participants from across the region, providing a clear overview of the challenges Latin America faces in the digital environment.

“We have entered a stage where it’s no longer just information being manipulated, but the perception of reality itself. Behind a deepfake is intense information gathering: the attacker masters phishing techniques, constructs false narratives, and creates synthetic identities that simulate real people using AI. We’ve moved from simple phishing emails to far more sophisticated attacks, considered a digital art powered by AI,” explained Merchán.

A recent case illustrates the magnitude of these threats: in 2022, a deepfake of a CEO in Hong Kong caused a fraudulent transfer of $25 million, demonstrating how these technologies can compromise the security of institutions and companies.

In response, Merchán emphasized the need to shift from a reactive approach to a proactive cybersecurity strategy, based on collaboration among incident response teams, the adoption of preventive technologies, and the building of trust in the digital environment. Security is no longer solely the responsibility of the IT department; it is a commitment that involves the entire organization.

CSIRTs (Computer Security Incident Response Teams) play a key role in this approach, coordinating monitoring, analysis, and incident response, investigating attacks and vulnerabilities, and sharing threat intelligence and best practices with other organizations. Strengthening collaborative cybersecurity networks is also essential, enabling coordinated regional responses to threats.

In this context, RedCLARA plays a strategic role by fostering cooperation and coordination among academic and research institutions across Latin America, facilitating the exchange of information on threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices. Its work strengthens regional collaboration and helps organizations face digital challenges more safely and efficiently.

For Merchán, the key to digital resilience lies in cooperation and trust: “No institution can face the challenges of malicious AI alone. The only effective defense is an informed, connected, and prepared community,” he concluded.

The webinar series will continue with upcoming sessions on October 21, hosted by LAC4; November 4, led by Internet2; and December 2, organized by CANARIE. All sessions will begin at 13:00 EST and will feature simultaneous translation in Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese to facilitate international participation.

This initiative underscores that cybersecurity is not just about technology—it is about collaboration, trust, and innovation. Each seminar will cover key advancements, challenges, and opportunities for the research and education communities in the region. Participation is free, and interested parties can register by completing the form available [here].