AI Impersonation and Deepfakes: Escalating Risks and Challenges in Executive Protection
In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, it's also empowering cybercriminals in unprecedented ways. AI-driven impersonation and deepfake technologies are emerging as potent tools for fraud, reputation sabotage, and targeted attacks on high-profile individuals. Executive protection (EP) programs, traditionally focused on physical security, are now under immense pressure to adapt to these digital threats. According to recent research, approximately 41% of organizations reported deepfake impersonation attacks targeting executives in 2025, up from 34% in 2023. This surge aligns with broader trends: 42% of organizations are placing increased emphasis on EP amid escalating threat volumes, as cyber adversaries exploit AI to blur the lines between reality and fabrication.
The Mechanics of AI Impersonation and Deepfakes
AI impersonation involves using machine learning algorithms to mimic a person's voice, appearance, or behavior. Deepfakes, a subset of this, refer to hyper-realistic synthetic media—videos, audio, or images—created or altered by AI to deceive viewers. These technologies have democratized sophisticated fraud; with just a short voice sample and affordable tools, attackers can clone executives' voices or fabricate convincing video calls.
The accessibility of these tools has led to a sharp rise in attacks. For instance, vishing (voice phishing) incidents surged by almost 200% in the second quarter of last year alone, often leveraging AI-cloned voices to impersonate leaders and extract sensitive information or authorize fraudulent transactions. Deepfakes extend this threat by enabling visual deception, such as fake video conferences where attackers pose as CEOs to manipulate stock prices or orchestrate wire transfers.
In one high-profile incident, fraudsters used AI to clone the voice of Ferrari's CEO, Benedetto Vigna, complete with his distinctive accent, in an attempt to deceive company insiders. Similarly, WPP CEO Mark Read was targeted in a deepfake scam, highlighting how these attacks span industries from automotive to advertising. Engineering firm Arup fell victim to a deepfake scheme that resulted in significant financial loss, underscoring the evolution from broad phishing to precision-targeted executive fraud.
Impact on Organizations and Executive Protection
The ramifications of these threats extend beyond financial loss. Reputation attacks can erode public trust, tank stock values, and invite regulatory scrutiny. For executives, the risks are personal and impersonation can lead to doxxing, harassment, or even physical danger as online threats escalate. Malicious actors are increasingly bridging digital and physical worlds, using deepfakes to gain access to home networks or target families.
This convergence has forced a reevaluation of EP strategies. Traditional programs, centered on executive protection agents and secure travel, must now incorporate digital safeguards. In 2025, nearly half of IT and security professionals reported an executive being targeted by a deepfake attack and attacks on business leaders rose to just over 50%. These threats have prompted organizations to invest in EP, with 42% emphasizing enhanced protections to counter AI-fueled fraud and reputation risks.
The pressure is compounded by the speed of these attacks. AI enables adversaries to operate at scale, compressing the attack lifecycle and exploiting vulnerabilities in identity systems, endpoints, and cloud platforms. Industries like finance, manufacturing, and tech are particularly vulnerable, as executives handle sensitive data that can be weaponized for extortion or competitive sabotage.
Strategies for Mitigation: The Role of Advanced Monitoring
To combat these rising threats, organizations must adopt proactive, multi-layered defenses. This includes AI-powered detection tools to identify deepfakes, employee training on verification protocols (secret questions or multi-factor authentication), and robust incident response plans. Monitoring social media and the dark web for early indicators of impersonation is crucial, as is collaborating with cybersecurity firms for threat intelligence.
Among the leading solutions, Trend Overwatch stands out as a premiere option for digital threat monitoring. Offered by Trend Security Services, this 24/7 service actively scans social media, forums, news, and deep web sources in real time to detect hostile behavior, aggressive sentiment, and potential bad actors. Designed for executives, celebrities, and high-profile individuals, Trend Overwatch provides early warnings that prevent online threats from escalating into physical dangers, offering a critical layer of proactive defense in an AI-driven threat landscape.
Looking Ahead: Building Resilience in a Deepfake Era
As AI continues to evolve, so too will the sophistication of impersonation attacks. Organizations that fail to integrate digital monitoring into their EP programs risk severe consequences, from multimillion-dollar frauds to irreparable reputational harm. By prioritizing tools like Trend Overwatch and fostering a culture of vigilance, businesses can stay ahead of these threats. The message is clear: in the battle against AI-powered deception, preparation and real-time intelligence are the ultimate safeguards.
About the Author
Richard Rempo is a seasoned expert in homeland security and counterterrorism, boasting 25 years of distinguished service in federal and state law enforcement, augmented by extensive leadership in the private sector. His expertise spans executive protection, security driving, hurricane disaster response, event security management, and facilitating international travel for clients. He has successfully spearheaded complex security initiatives for high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, and Fortune 100 to Fortune 500 companies across the United States, Europe, the Mediterranean, and Latin America.
In his current role as Chief Operating Officer of Trend Security Services, Richard directs comprehensive security planning, risk and threat assessments, and ongoing threat monitoring for high-profile CEOs, executives, and high-net-worth individuals. He manages a global team of 140 protection agents and analysts as well as 30 strategic partners.
To discover how Trend Security Services can meet your needs, go to Executive Protection & Security Services | Trend Security Services
The Mechanics of AI Impersonation and Deepfakes
AI impersonation involves using machine learning algorithms to mimic a person's voice, appearance, or behavior. Deepfakes, a subset of this, refer to hyper-realistic synthetic media—videos, audio, or images—created or altered by AI to deceive viewers. These technologies have democratized sophisticated fraud; with just a short voice sample and affordable tools, attackers can clone executives' voices or fabricate convincing video calls.
The accessibility of these tools has led to a sharp rise in attacks. For instance, vishing (voice phishing) incidents surged by almost 200% in the second quarter of last year alone, often leveraging AI-cloned voices to impersonate leaders and extract sensitive information or authorize fraudulent transactions. Deepfakes extend this threat by enabling visual deception, such as fake video conferences where attackers pose as CEOs to manipulate stock prices or orchestrate wire transfers.
In one high-profile incident, fraudsters used AI to clone the voice of Ferrari's CEO, Benedetto Vigna, complete with his distinctive accent, in an attempt to deceive company insiders. Similarly, WPP CEO Mark Read was targeted in a deepfake scam, highlighting how these attacks span industries from automotive to advertising. Engineering firm Arup fell victim to a deepfake scheme that resulted in significant financial loss, underscoring the evolution from broad phishing to precision-targeted executive fraud.
Impact on Organizations and Executive Protection
The ramifications of these threats extend beyond financial loss. Reputation attacks can erode public trust, tank stock values, and invite regulatory scrutiny. For executives, the risks are personal and impersonation can lead to doxxing, harassment, or even physical danger as online threats escalate. Malicious actors are increasingly bridging digital and physical worlds, using deepfakes to gain access to home networks or target families.
This convergence has forced a reevaluation of EP strategies. Traditional programs, centered on executive protection agents and secure travel, must now incorporate digital safeguards. In 2025, nearly half of IT and security professionals reported an executive being targeted by a deepfake attack and attacks on business leaders rose to just over 50%. These threats have prompted organizations to invest in EP, with 42% emphasizing enhanced protections to counter AI-fueled fraud and reputation risks.
The pressure is compounded by the speed of these attacks. AI enables adversaries to operate at scale, compressing the attack lifecycle and exploiting vulnerabilities in identity systems, endpoints, and cloud platforms. Industries like finance, manufacturing, and tech are particularly vulnerable, as executives handle sensitive data that can be weaponized for extortion or competitive sabotage.
Strategies for Mitigation: The Role of Advanced Monitoring
To combat these rising threats, organizations must adopt proactive, multi-layered defenses. This includes AI-powered detection tools to identify deepfakes, employee training on verification protocols (secret questions or multi-factor authentication), and robust incident response plans. Monitoring social media and the dark web for early indicators of impersonation is crucial, as is collaborating with cybersecurity firms for threat intelligence.
Among the leading solutions, Trend Overwatch stands out as a premiere option for digital threat monitoring. Offered by Trend Security Services, this 24/7 service actively scans social media, forums, news, and deep web sources in real time to detect hostile behavior, aggressive sentiment, and potential bad actors. Designed for executives, celebrities, and high-profile individuals, Trend Overwatch provides early warnings that prevent online threats from escalating into physical dangers, offering a critical layer of proactive defense in an AI-driven threat landscape.
Looking Ahead: Building Resilience in a Deepfake Era
As AI continues to evolve, so too will the sophistication of impersonation attacks. Organizations that fail to integrate digital monitoring into their EP programs risk severe consequences, from multimillion-dollar frauds to irreparable reputational harm. By prioritizing tools like Trend Overwatch and fostering a culture of vigilance, businesses can stay ahead of these threats. The message is clear: in the battle against AI-powered deception, preparation and real-time intelligence are the ultimate safeguards.
About the Author
Richard Rempo is a seasoned expert in homeland security and counterterrorism, boasting 25 years of distinguished service in federal and state law enforcement, augmented by extensive leadership in the private sector. His expertise spans executive protection, security driving, hurricane disaster response, event security management, and facilitating international travel for clients. He has successfully spearheaded complex security initiatives for high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, and Fortune 100 to Fortune 500 companies across the United States, Europe, the Mediterranean, and Latin America.
In his current role as Chief Operating Officer of Trend Security Services, Richard directs comprehensive security planning, risk and threat assessments, and ongoing threat monitoring for high-profile CEOs, executives, and high-net-worth individuals. He manages a global team of 140 protection agents and analysts as well as 30 strategic partners.
To discover how Trend Security Services can meet your needs, go to Executive Protection & Security Services | Trend Security Services