Artificial intelligence is powering innovation, but it’s also fuelling new risks. Among them is deepfake fraud, the use of AI-generated audio or video to impersonate trusted individuals. Once the stuff of science fiction, deepfakes are now a real and growing cyber threat and for SMBs, the stakes are high. A convincing fake CEO voice on the phone or a fraudulent video call could trick staff into transferring money or sharing sensitive data.
At Commercial Networks, we help SMBs stay ahead of AI cyber security risks through managed IT services, awareness training, and policies designed for an AI-driven threat landscape.
Why Deepfake Fraud Matters
Deepfake fraud works because humans are wired to trust what they see and hear and attackers use AI to generate realistic voices or faces of trusted individuals such as CEOs, suppliers, or even colleagues. A recent Europol report warns that deepfakes are increasingly being used in cybercrime, particularly in social engineering scams.
The danger for SMBs is that they often lack strict verification processes so a single phone call that “sounds” authentic can be enough to trigger a payment or data release. With AI tools becoming cheaper and easier to use, this type of attack is expected to rise significantly in 2026.
How AI Cyber Security Changes the Game
Traditional security tools like antivirus or firewalls don’t stop AI cyber security threats such as deepfakes. These attacks target people, not systems. Examples include:
- CEO fraud – fake audio messages instructing staff to transfer funds.
- Supplier scams – deepfake videos or calls requesting urgent invoice payments.
- Recruitment fraud – candidates using AI avatars in remote interviews.
- Disinformation – fake videos damaging brand reputation.
The National Cyber Security Centre has highlighted deepfakes as an emerging risk, warning businesses to update processes and staff training accordingly.
SMB Cyber Threats: Why Deepfakes Hit Hard
For SMBs, cyber threats like deepfakes are particularly dangerous because:
- Limited resources – smaller IT teams may not have tools to verify authenticity.
- Trust culture – SMBs often rely on informal processes and quick decisions.
- Financial exposure – a single fraudulent payment could be devastating.
- Reputational risk – falling victim damages trust with clients and partners.
The UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 notes that phishing and impersonation remain the most common attacks against SMBs, deepfakes are simply the next level.
Defending Against Deepfake Fraud
So how can SMBs prepare? Defence against deepfake fraud requires both technology and culture. Key steps include:
- Verification policies – require a second channel (e.g. email + call back) before payments or sensitive data are shared.
- Awareness training – teach staff to question unusual requests, even if they “sound” real.
- Multi-factor authentication – prevent fraudulent access even if credentials are stolen.
- Monitoring and detection tools – AI is now being used to spot manipulated content.
- Incident response plans – document how to respond if a deepfake attack is suspected.
At Commercial Networks, we integrate these steps into IT Health Checks and ongoing training to keep staff alert.
Real-World Example
In 2025, a Hong Kong-based finance worker was tricked into paying $25 million after a deepfake video conference appeared to include their company’s CFO. While this was a large enterprise case, the lesson for SMBs is clear: if attackers can convincingly fake executives at global firms, they can, and will, use the same tactics against smaller organisations.
From Novelty to Necessity
Deepfake fraud is the next stage of social engineering and for SMBs, it’s essential to treat AI-driven attacks as part of everyday risk management. By embedding strong verification, raising awareness, and adopting AI cyber security measures, businesses can reduce the risk and build resilience.
At Commercial Networks, we help SMBs turn emerging threats into manageable challenges. Through managed IT services, cyber security awareness training, and proactive monitoring, we keep businesses safe in an AI-driven world.
Contact us today to prepare your team for the new wave of SMB cyber threats.
Further Reading
- Europol: Deepfake threat warning
- NCSC: AI Security Guidance
- UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025
- BBC News: $25m deepfake scam
- Action Fraud: Business cyber crime
