Deepfakes and data theft: the new digital fraud scenario

In recent months, different analyses of the sector have agreed on a clear warning: Deepfakes in 2026 will reach a level of realism that will make it practically impossible to distinguish what is real from what is false. This evolution, driven by the generative artificial intelligence, represents a new type of computer attack with direct implications for the enterprise IT security, especially in a context marked by recent data breaches and cyberattacks to companies in critical sectors.

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In this scenario, the combination of stolen real data and hyperrealistic synthetic contents makes impersonation a much more credible and difficult to detect threat.

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What is really changing with deepfakes

Deepfakes are no longer just manipulated videos or fake low-quality audios. Current models make it possible to generate voice, image and video combined, replicating gestures, tone, accents and expressions with almost perfect precision.

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The key difference compared to previous years is that these contents are no longer created from generic material, but rather they feed on real information obtained in security breaches, data breaches and recent cyberattacks. This includes voice recordings, images, internal documents, or personal information extracted from compromised corporate systems.

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The result is a much more credible, contextualized and difficult to question impersonation.

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Why this scenario is especially worrisome now

The rise of deepfakes coincides with a constant wave of data breaches and cyberattacks which affect key sectors. In recent weeks we have seen incidents in banking institutions, energy companies like Endesa, health centers in Spain and European hospitals, where sensitive systems and data have been compromised.

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This accumulation of exposed information creates the perfect breeding ground for the malicious use of deepfakes. With real data in the hands of attackers, impersonation ceases to be generic and becomes personalized, credible and aligned with real business processes.

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A fake call from a manager, a simulated video call from a supplier, or an urgent order validated by voice can fit perfectly into the context of an organization that has already experienced a previous breach.

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How deepfakes are integrated into real attacks

In practice, deepfakes don't act alone. They are integrated into advanced social engineering campaigns, where the attacker already knows the organization and uses real information to increase the credibility of the deception.

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The most common pattern includes the collection of data from leaks, social networks or previous attacks, followed by the generation of false content adapted to a specific moment: accounting closures, technical incidents, operational emergencies or internal validations. The deepfake thus becomes the element that Break the last barrier of mistrust.

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What lessons should companies learn

This scenario requires a rethink of basic assumptions. Identity can no longer be validated by voice, image or personal recognition alone, especially in remote or hybrid environments. Critical processes must be designed on the assumption that an apparently legitimate communication may not be legitimate.

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Organizations must review approval flows, reinforce additional controls, and make teams aware of this new type of threat. It's not just about technology, it's about adapt processes to a context where reality can be falsified with real data.

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Cybersecurity as a strategic priority in the era of AI

The evolution of deepfakes confirms a clear trend: cybersecurity no longer only protects systems, but digital trust. When that trust is supported by stolen data and indistinguishable synthetic content, the impact of an attack can be immediate and profound.

Companies that don't integrate this risk into their security strategy will assume increasing exposure, especially if they have experienced previous data breaches or incidents.

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How Apolo Cybersecurity can help

In Apolo Cybersecurity we help organizations to anticipate emerging threats based on artificial intelligence, evaluating how the Deepfakes and advanced impersonation can affect your actual business processes.

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We work on reviewing identity controls, adapting critical procedures, raising team awareness and reducing the impact of past and future data breaches. Because in an environment where reality can be manufactured with precision, Preparing is no longer optional.

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Take the next step with Apolo Cybersecurity to reduce your organization's exposure to these types of risks.

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