2026 is When Deepfake Fraud Becomes a Major Business Risk
88% of organizations are encountering deepfake impersonation attacks. As LMM tech advances so too does the sophistication of deepfake and other AI-driven threats.
Key Takeaways
- 88% of organizations encounter deepfake fraud or impersonation attacks occasionally.
- Deepfake fraud attempts surged from an average of one per month to seven per day in 2024.
- Financial losses from deepfake incidents often exceed $100,000, with some organizations reporting losses upwards of $1 million.
- The lack of dedicated plans to address AI risks reveals a disturbing gap in corporate cybersecurity strategies.
Table of Contents
- Deepfake Fraud Is a Rising Epidemic
- Organizations Are Unprepared for Deepfake Threats
- Deepfake Fraud Will Evolve and Expand
Deepfake Fraud Is a Rising Epidemic
Deepfake fraud has become a prevalent issue for the vast majority organisations, with 88% of reporting encounters with deepfake or impersonation attacks at least occasionally, according to GetReal.
This alarming statistic underscores the gravity of the situation, especially as one in three businesses globally has been impacted by deepfake attacks.
The surge in deepfake incidents is staggering, with a 700% increase in such fraud reported globally from Q1 2024 to Q1 2025, as noted by Sumsub. Regional spikes are equally concerning, with Canada experiencing a 3,400% increase and the United Kingdom reporting a 900% rise.
In 2025, deepfakes were linked to 20% of biometric fraud attempts, highlighting their integration into more sophisticated fraudulent strategies, as per Entrust. The technology's rapid evolution showcases a new frontier in cyber threats.
Organizations Are Unprepared for Deepfake Threats
Despite the prevalence of deepfake fraud, many organizations remain ill-equipped to handle it. A staggering 75% of companies globally reported not having a dedicated plan to address generative AI risks, including deepfake attacks, according to Riskonnect.
Only 28% of IT and cybersecurity leaders prioritize deepfake-resistant verification tools for identity management, revealing a significant oversight in modern cybersecurity strategies, as indicated by GetReal. Furthermore, 41% of leaders expressed confidence in their existing defenses against AI-driven identity attacks, which stands in stark contrast to the rising threat landscape.
Training is another area of concern. A shocking 11.6% of organizations have provided no deepfake-related cybersecurity training, leaving employees vulnerable to these attacks. Nearly 19% of organizations that fell victim to deepfake fraud reported losses exceeding half a million dollars, according to IRONSCALES.
Deepfake Fraud Will Evolve and Expand
Deepfake fraud is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with projections indicating a growth rate of +162% in 2025, as noted by Pindrop. This anticipated increase is compounded by the fact that deepfaked calls are projected to rise by +155% in the same year.
The threat vectors are diverse, with recorded audio manipulations accounting for 52% and static image manipulations for 59% of deepfake attacks, according to IRONSCALES. Organizations must adapt their defenses accordingly.
With 71% of organizations stating that deepfake defense will be a top priority for their cybersecurity strategies over the next 12-18 months, there is a glimmer of hope. However, only 37% are currently investing in deepfake defense, leaving many exposed to potential attacks.
As the landscape of deepfake fraud evolves, organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing these sophisticated threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is deepfake fraud?
Deepfake fraud involves using AI-generated synthetic media to impersonate individuals or manipulate their likeness for fraudulent purposes, often leading to financial losses and reputational damage.
How much does deepfake fraud cost organizations?
Organizations targeted by deepfake fraud can face significant financial losses, with many reporting damages exceeding $100,000, and some even surpassing $1 million.
What percentage of companies are affected by deepfake fraud?
Currently, one in three businesses globally has been impacted by deepfakes and other impersonation attacks, demonstrating the widespread nature of this threat.
How can organizations defend against deepfake fraud?
Organizations should prioritize investing in deepfake-resistant verification tools and provide comprehensive cybersecurity training to employees to better protect against these threats.
Methodology
This analysis draws from 46 statistics published by leading cybersecurity research firms between 2024 and 2025. Sources include GetReal, Entrust, and IRONSCALES. All statistics were verified against original reports.