Trusting every media is no longer easy because of the blurred line between reality and fiction. The digital revolution has brought various complications in terms of security and seamless working of any organization. Businesses onboard entities remotely and require advanced security protocols to get in relation with only fair and legitimate individuals. Fraudsters employ sharp techniques and generate fabricated data to use for bypassing security protocols. Image manipulation is a common practice that is employed to dodge security. Hence, there is a need for up-to-date security measures and identity verification technology to prevent fraudster attacks and criminal activities within organizations.
Both Positive and Negative Aspects of Image Manipulation
The process of image manipulation involves various technical methods to enhance or alter the quality. It may involve color fixation, crop, or other complex methods to alter data within the photo. Fraudsters mainly utilize image manipulation techniques to generate high-resolution deepfakes, which they employ for illicit activities. The global digital image manipulation market has witnessed a cost of $3.2 billion in 2023. It has been forecasted to reach a total of 7.6% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) by 2030. It is not only fraudster activity but also serves on various positive grounds, such as in graphics, to enhance visual display for enhanced user engagement.
Threats of Image Manipulation Process
Technology has both positive and negative impacts, it completely depends upon its usage. Many entities utilize image manipulation technology for positive outcomes including creativity and artistic purposes. However, fraudsters utilize manipulation techniques for illicit activities. Some of the most inappropriate usages of image manipulation are given below:
To Spread Misinformation
Various cases have emerged where entities use manipulation techniques to generate content for misinformation. Many entities utilize this technique to deceive the public for financial gain. Many competitors employ this technique to generate fake content, which they use to make the opposition victims of reputational damage and financial loss. It creates mistrust and makes an organization a victim of lower revenue and the least customer trust for the particular organization.
Identity Theft
With the usage of manipulation techniques, fraudsters alter identity documents, including ID cards and personal photos, and use them to bypass securities. Many individuals try to reach financial sectors with fake identity documents to remain unidentified in case of money laundering. Similarly, travel agencies and healthcare sectors become victims of fraud attacks. Manipulation techniques help fraudsters in getting access to organizations with weak or outdated security protocols.
Cyberbullying and Harassment
In today’s digital world, cyberbullying is a common fraudster technique that they utilize to obtain heavy funds from both individuals and organizations. They generate fake data with negative content and use it for harassment and bullying. There are various tools that assist in manipulating images, like Photoshop and mobile applications. Hence, it is easy for fraudsters to generate such media and images which they can utilize for their illegitimate purposes. They utilize manipulated data and blackmail organizations. In return, they obtain heavy funds.
Fraud
Fraud due to image manipulation has become a significant concern in the digital era. It affects both individuals and businesses worldwide. Fraudsters use manipulated images to misrepresent facts, falsify documents, and deceive others for financial gain. They generate deepfakes and utilize them to bypass securities for money laundering and financial terrorism. Organizations that do not employ up-to-date security protocols are victims of criminal activities and attacks by fraudsters.
Solution to Control Fraud of Image Manipulation
Image manipulation has brought various threats to both common individuals and corporations. It is necessary to have up to date measures for real-time security and the seamless working of organizations. There are various biometric services that employ artificial intelligence checks to validate every identity proof. Biometric face verification technology helps to identify manipulations and identify fraudsters. It helps in the following ways:
Deepfake Detection
Face verification modern technology helps in the identification of image manipulation and deepfakes, which fraudsters use to reach out to organizations for illicit activities.
Image Authenticity Verification
Biometric face verification technology includes artificial intelligence checks, which perform thorough identification and authenticate provided identity proofs. It helps to verify the authenticity of provided images and identify spoofing attempts.
Real-time Analysis
The traditional identity verification process involves manual efforts. Human beings are no longer enough to analyze data for security purposes. It is difficult to identify spoofing and image manipulation with the human eye. Hence, biometric face recognition technology is best in this regard as it helps to analyze all the biometric features and identify risks. It performs real-time analysis through automated checks and identifies fake content.
Final Words
Fraudsters employ complex strategies and generate fake content to bypass securities. They utilize image manipulation techniques to dodge securities. It is necessary for organizations to employ up-to-date security protocols for real-time security from fraud attacks. Biometric face verification technology involves automated checks and verifies user-provided identity proofs in real-time.