Higher education institutions are tightening security measures against deepfakes as AI-generated impersonations become a growing cybersecurity risk. Voice clones, fabricated images, and manipulated videos now trick employees, steal credentials, and spread disinformation, with students and faculty frequently targeted for harassment or reputational harm.
AI-driven attacks outpace traditional defenses
A 2024 EDUCAUSE report found that deepfakes have become a direct cybersecurity threat as AI makes attacks more convincing and personalized. Attackers use cloned voices, tailored phishing attempts, and large-scale automated campaigns to exploit weaknesses in higher education’s decentralized systems.
Isaac Galvan, community program director of cybersecurity and privacy at EDUCAUSE, said the social engineering attempts once easy to spot now appear far more realistic. Universities face distinct challenges: large student populations, collaborative research environments, and widespread access to AI tools create multiple opportunities for abuse.
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Unlike K–12 schools, universities operate as distributed networks where students aren’t just potential victims but sometimes capable of carrying out attacks. Criminals can create fake student identities to fraudulently enroll, collect financial aid, and disappear, making verification processes more difficult.
Layered authentication and behavioral monitoring
Institutions are implementing multifactor authentication alongside advanced identity verification tools to combat AI-driven impersonation. Andras Cser, vice president and principal analyst at Forrester, said universities now combine traditional MFA with behavioral biometrics, device reputation checks, and centralized identity platforms like Microsoft Entra.
These tools help identify unusual patterns, such as sudden changes in typing speed or login locations, reducing unauthorized access risks. Galvan stressed the need for out-of-band verification—secondary confirmation steps—for sensitive actions like password changes or fund transfers.
He noted that the threat extends beyond impersonating known figures. Criminals can generate entirely fake identities, requiring institutions to adapt their defenses accordingly.
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Some universities are testing dedicated deepfake detection technologies, though experts caution these alone aren’t sufficient.
Verification culture and rapid-response plans
Ed Skoudis, president of the SANS Technology Institute, promotes a “verification culture” where students, faculty, and staff learn to question unusual requests.
Skoudis suggests incorporating deepfake awareness into orientation programs and cybersecurity training. He also highlights the importance of rapid-response communication plans to limit the spread of viral impersonation incidents. While damage control may be difficult, quick action can prevent wider harm.
Galvan pointed out that different campus groups interact with digital media in unique ways, requiring tailored approaches. A lightweight assessment of institutional vulnerabilities can help create relevant programming.
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AI as both threat and tool
While AI enables deepfakes, it also strengthens cybersecurity defenses. EDUCAUSE’s 2026 Horizon Report recommends a “mesh” approach, combining monitoring, detection, and prevention systems into a coordinated model.
Galvan said partnering with vendors using AI for cybersecurity may become increasingly important. The dual role of AI—both as a weapon and a defense—requires universities to continuously evaluate their strategies, balancing traditional protections with new capabilities.
For now, the strongest defenses combine technical controls with human awareness.
