Page 124 - Cyber Defense eMagazine September 2025

Deepfakes, Synthetic Media, and Digital Trust: The

Cybersecurity Implications of Deepfake Technology and

Methods for Detection and Mitigation

By Joe Guerra, M.S., Software Engineering, CASP+, CCSP, FedITC,LLC

Introduction

The proliferation of deepfake technology, synthetic media generated using advanced artificial intelligence
techniques, has emerged as a significant challenge to digital trust in the modern era. Deepfakes, a term
derived from “deep learning” and “fake,” involve the manipulation or creation of video, audio, or images
to convincingly mimic real individuals and events. Fueled by rapid advancements in generative AI,
especially Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), deepfakes have progressed from a curiosity in
online forums to a tool capable of undermining personal, organizational, and societal security. This article
explores how deepfake technology operates, the implications of its misuse in cybersecurity, and ongoing
advancements in detection and mitigation.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – September 2025 Edition 124
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