BTN News: Today, cyberattacks are becoming more advanced. Hackers now use complex tools like deepfakes. However, sometimes a simple approach can prevent these attacks. Recently, Ferrari faced such an attack, but they managed to stop it using basic common sense. A deepfake was used to impersonate the CEO, Benedetto Vigna, on WhatsApp. The quick thinking of an executive saved Ferrari from a big problem by asking a simple question.
One Tuesday, a Ferrari executive began receiving strange messages on WhatsApp. The messages seemed to come from Benedetto Vigna, the CEO of Ferrari. They talked about a big new acquisition. One message said, “Hey, have you heard about the new acquisition we’re planning? I might need your help.” At first glance, these messages looked real. But there were some things that did not match up. The messages came from an unusual number. Also, the profile picture, while showing Vigna in a suit and glasses, was not his usual photo.
The messages soon became urgent and secretive. One message read, “Get ready to sign the non-disclosure agreement our lawyer is about to send. The Italian market regulator and the Milan stock exchange have already been informed. Stay alert and maintain maximum discretion.” The person pretending to be Vigna explained the different number by saying the deal was very confidential and could face issues in China. They mentioned a currency hedging operation as well.
The impostor took it a step further by making a phone call using deepfake voice technology. This technology copied Vigna’s southern Italian accent perfectly. Although the voice was very convincing, the executive noticed slight mechanical tones. The fake CEO explained he was using a different number to discuss private matters about an acquisition facing issues in China and needing a currency hedge.
Despite the quality of the deepfake, the Ferrari executive decided to verify the caller’s identity with a simple question. “Sorry, Benedetto, but I need to confirm your identity,” the executive said, asking about the title of a book Vigna had recently recommended. The call ended suddenly after this question, exposing the fake CEO.
Following the attempt, Ferrari started an internal investigation. Representatives at Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello, Italy, did not comment on the event. This case shows how hackers are using more advanced techniques and why it is important to stay alert.
This incident is not the only one of its kind. In May, hackers tried to impersonate Mark Read, the CEO of WPP Plc, in a Teams call. Although they did not succeed, it shows that hackers are getting better at these tricks. Some companies have been less lucky. Earlier this year, an unnamed multinational lost 200 million Hong Kong dollars (about 26 million USD) after scammers used deepfake technology. They pretended to be the company’s CFO and others in a video call, convincing an employee in Hong Kong to transfer money.
To fight these threats, companies like CyberArk are training their executives to recognize bot-driven fraud attempts. The key is to notice small details and be skeptical of situations that seem strange or too urgent.
This Ferrari incident is a good reminder that even against advanced technology, simple human intuition and common sense can be strong tools. By paying attention to small inconsistencies and checking information through personal knowledge, people can protect themselves and their companies from smart cyberattacks.
