London-based cybersecurity innovator Surf Security has launched a beta version of its pioneering deepfake detection tool, integrated into its Enterprise Zero-Trust Browser®.
Deepwater
Dubbed the ‘Surf Deepwater’, this tool promises real-time, highly accurate detection of AI-generated deepfakes, potentially revolutionising how organisations can combat this rapidly growing threat.
98 Per Cent Accurate in Under 2 Seconds
Deepfakes, created using advanced artificial intelligence, are a growing problem, with their potential for misuse extending from financial fraud to political misinformation, an acute concern in a year of major global elections. Surf Security’s new browser-integrated technology is designed to detect these fabricated audio clips with up to 98 per cent accuracy in under two seconds.
Addressing a Growing Crisis
The rise of generative AI has made it increasingly easy for threat actors to create convincing deepfakes and weaponise them for financial scams, political manipulation, and even personal identity theft.
One stark example involved a multinational corporation’s Chief Financial Officer being impersonated using AI-generated audio, resulting in a $25 million fraud. On the political front, deepfakes have been used to produce fake election-timed videos of prominent figures, including one involving UK politician Wes Streeting.
Surf Security’s CTO, Ziv Yankowitz, has highlighted the urgency of addressing this threat, saying, “The rise of AI-based deepfakes presents significant security challenges for organisations, which can lead to reputation damage, data loss, regulatory non-compliance, and financial losses.”
A 2023 study by Sumsub revealed the alarming pace of this phenomenon, with deepfake-related scams increasing by 303 per cent (since 2022) in the USA alone. Countries such as Portugal (1700 per cent), China (2800 per cent), and Singapore (1100 per cent) have reported even steeper rises. These statistics highlight the rapid proliferation of deepfake technology, its global impact, and the urgent need for effective countermeasures.
How the Surf Deepwater Works
Surf says its AI-driven browser is so effective because it seamlessly integrates deepfake detection into everyday online interactions. Using advanced neural network technology, the tool analyses audio frames to identify inconsistencies indicative of AI generation. Its State Space Models (mathematical models for tracking system state changes over time) enable it to function across diverse languages and accents, providing results with both recorded and live audio.
Surf is keen to point out how user-friendly the process is, i.e. users simply press a button within the browser to verify whether an audio clip is genuine or AI-generated. The tool works with a wide range of platforms, including video conferencing tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, messaging services like WhatsApp and Slack, and even online videos.
The technology also incorporates background noise reduction, ensuring clarity and speed in its determinations. As Surf Security’s CTO explains, “To maximise its effectiveness, we focused on accuracy and speed,” adding that “The tool’s neural network is trained using deepfakes created by the top AI voice cloning platforms. It can spot a deepfake audio in less than 2 seconds.”
Aiming Beyond Audio Detection
However, Surf Security isn’t stopping at audio. The company has also announced plans to extend its capabilities to AI image detection, further bolstering its deepfake defence products. The company hopes that this holistic approach could make its Zero-Trust Browser a go-to solution for enterprises seeking comprehensive protection.
Military Grade
The browser’s use of military-grade technology and its foundation in probabilistic audio modelling set it apart from other solutions. Unlike standalone detection software, embedding this tool directly into a secure browser ensures that organisations can address the threat at the point of user interaction.
Some industry experts have spoken positively about this innovation. For example, Swetha Krishnamoorthi, Industry Principal for Cybersecurity at Frost & Sullivan, has said, “This capability is crucial for entities such as governments, politicians, customer service centres, and C-suite executives, providing robust protection against deepfake-driven cyber threats and safeguarding brand integrity.”
Availability and Anticipated Launch
The beta version of Surf Deepwater is now open for enterprise users to test. Organisations, including media outlets, law enforcement agencies, and corporate enterprises, can sign up for the programme through Surf Security’s website. The full release is scheduled for Q1 2025, with the company aiming to refine its functionality based on beta feedback.
Surf has also expressed its commitment to collaborative development, including contributing to open-source databases of deepfake audio and videos to enhance detection capabilities across the industry.
The Wider Cybersecurity Landscape
Surf Security’s innovation arrives in what could be described as a crowded yet fragmented market for deepfake detection tools. Existing alternatives include AI-driven software like Deepware Scanner and Deepfake Detection Challenge models developed by tech giants. However, most of these solutions require separate installation or specialised technical expertise, which can be a barrier to widespread adoption.
That said, alternatives to Surf’s browser-based AI deepfake detection system exist. Examples include:
– Reality Defender. This platform offers real-time detection of AI-generated threats across multiple media types, including images, video, audio, and text.
– WeVerify.Developed as part of the EU’s Horizon 2020 research programme, WeVerify provides a deepfake detection tool that breaks videos into individual shots, analysing each frame to calculate the probability of facial manipulation.
– Intel’s FakeCatcher. Introduced in 2022, FakeCatcher is designed to combat deepfakes by analysing subtle changes in blood flow in video pixels to determine authenticity.
– Resemble Detect. This AI model provides real-time detection of deepfake audio across various media types, distinguishing between real and fake audio with up to 98 per cent accuracy.
– Sensity AI. Sensity offers an all-in-one deepfake detection solution, providing a comprehensive set of tools to protect against AI-generated threats.
Simplicity – Benefit or Achilles’ Heel?
By integrating detection directly into its browser, Surf Security aims to add value and stand out by simplifying the user experience and potentially reducing costs for organisations already burdened by cybersecurity investments. However, some critics argue that this simplicity may also be its Achilles’ heel, as relying on browser-based solutions may not address threats occurring outside its ecosystem.
Additionally, as Yankowitz acknowledges, the fight against deepfakes is an ongoing arms race. The rapid evolution of AI voice cloning means that even cutting-edge detection tools may require constant updates to remain effective.
What Does This Mean for Your Business?
Surf Security’s Deepwater browser could represent a significant leap forward in the fight against deepfake technology, but it also highlights the complexities of addressing such a fast-evolving threat. With its promise of real-time detection, impressive accuracy, and user-friendly integration, the tool positions itself as a potentially valuable asset for organisations grappling with the growing risks posed by AI-generated content. By embedding deepfake detection within a secure browser, Surf Security is bringing a level of accessibility and immediacy that many standalone tools currently lack.
However, its reliance on a browser-based ecosystem raises legitimate concerns about its ability to provide comprehensive protection. Deepfake threats extend well beyond browser interactions, and organisations may still require supplementary measures to safeguard against manipulations in other contexts.
Surf Deepwater is, of course, not the only such option for businesses. The broader landscape reveals a competitive field, with alternatives like Intel’s FakeCatcher and Reality Defender offering solutions that cater to different use cases. While Surf’s holistic approach, with plans to expand into image detection, could provide it with an edge, the fragmented market means no single solution is likely to dominate entirely. Organisations may need to adopt a layered approach, combining tools like Deepwater with other detection technologies to ensure robust coverage.
That said, Surf Security’s innovation appears both timely and necessary. The soaring rise in deepfake-related fraud and manipulation makes tools like Deepwater an attractive option for mitigating risk, particularly for industries where trust and authenticity are paramount, and for businesses seeking a user-friendly option. Yet, as with all cybersecurity measures, it is only one piece of the puzzle. The ongoing battle against deepfakes will require not only technological innovation but also vigilance, collaboration, and a commitment to staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats.
