'Deepfake as a service' sees 39% spike in dark web conversations — and experts fear it will fuel the next wave of “fake boss” scams (www.techradar.com)

A recent report by threat exposure management platform NordStellar reveals a significant rise in dark web discussions surrounding "deepfakes-as-a-service" (DFaaS), with a staggering 39% increase in posts from January to May 2026 compared to the previous year. The report highlights 924 posts related to DFaaS, driven by advancements in generative AI that enable the rapid creation of hyper-realistic deepfakes. This alarming trend raises concerns about the potential for increased "fake boss" scams, where deepfakes are used to impersonate executives in fraudulent communications, making such scams even harder to detect. Experts, including cybersecurity specialist Vakaris Noreika, emphasize that the lowered technical barriers for cybercriminals could lead to more widespread and sophisticated attacks. Businesses are urged to implement preventative measures, including employee education and monitoring for leaked company information, as these strategies can significantly mitigate the risk of falling victim to deepfake scams. As attacks become more deceptive, the need for vigilance and proactive defenses against this evolving threat landscape in the AI/ML community is more crucial than ever.