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.

It’s been reported that although Apple will unveil a more conversational Siri with iOS 19 at WWDC 2025, many other planned features, including this upgrade, will actually be delayed until iOS 19.4 launches in spring 2026.

Various reports indicate that Apple’s improved “LLM Siri,” designed to rival AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, aims to handle complex requests and enable natural interactions. However, despite its unveiling at WWDC 2025, it is not expected to launch publicly until iOS 19.4 in spring 2026.

In the meantime, incremental updates will enhance Siri’s capabilities. iOS 18.2, arriving in December 2024, will integrate ChatGPT into Siri for improved responses. Later updates, such as iOS 18.4, will add on-screen awareness and per-app controls, although full conversational features will not appear until the LLM Siri release in 2026.

The delays highlight Apple’s cautious approach to deploying advanced AI, ensuring thorough testing and alignment with its privacy and security standards. This measured strategy aims to deliver a refined and reliable experience to users.

For businesses, the upgraded Siri promises improved customer service, streamlined workflows, and better accessibility. However, they will need to wait until 2026 to fully utilise these advancements while leveraging interim improvements from upcoming iOS 18 updates.

While Apple’s plans for a more advanced Siri are promising, the extended timeline highlights the need for businesses to adapt gradually. Monitoring updates in iOS 18 and preparing for iOS 19.4’s features will ensure readiness to integrate the new Siri into operations effectively.

Cybersecurity company Bitdefender’s Antispam Lab reports that 77 per cent of Black Friday-themed emails in 2024 are scams, up from 70 per cent in 2023.

Bitdefender reports that these scams target consumers worldwide, with the US and Europe receiving 38 per cent and 44 per cent of such emails respectively. Two-thirds of these messages originate from the US, with significant activity also traced to Europe and Asia.

Scammers are tailoring their attacks to diverse demographics. For example, tech enthusiasts in Spain were targeted with malware-laden emails impersonating Fnac, delivering the Grandoreiro banking Trojan. Fashion shoppers received phishing emails promoting fake Ray-Ban discounts, while survey scams exploiting brands like Tesco and Costco sought sensitive details from grocery shoppers.

The variety of tactics, from counterfeit luxury goods to phishing surveys, demonstrates how cybercriminals are now exploiting regional and consumer preferences to maximise their reach.

Businesses can reduce their exposure by employing robust email filtering systems, training staff to spot phishing attempts, and using advanced security tools to flag suspicious links and emails. Regular updates to security protocols and proactive awareness campaigns are essential to staying ahead of these evolving threats.

Dutch climate technology startup Skytree is providing the technology for the world’s first 100 per cent wind-powered Direct Air Capture (DAC) hub in Texas.

Project Concho Using Skytree Technology

Dubbed ‘Project Concho’, this ambitious project seeks to redefine carbon removal from the air by using cutting-edge DAC systems with renewable energy on an unprecedented scale. Set in Tom Green County, the project combines the expertise of innovators in carbon capture and renewable energy to address the now urgent need for scalable climate solutions. With its unique design and bold objectives, Project Concho could potentially provide a boost to combatting global CO₂ emissions.

What Is Direct Air Capture?

Direct Air Capture is a technology that removes carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. Unlike traditional carbon capture methods, which focus on emissions from industrial sources, DAC targets ambient air, i.e. it’s a tool for addressing legacy emissions. Once captured, CO₂ can either be stored underground or utilised in various industrial applications. While DAC technology is still in its infancy compared to other climate solutions, its potential to combat climate change at scale has drawn increasing attention and investment globally.

The Vision Behind Project Concho

Using a patented modular system called ‘Stratus’, Skytree’s advanced DAC technology, which is at the heart of Project Concho, enables the efficient capture and permanent storage of CO₂. What is particularly unusual about it in the DAC world is that it’s powered entirely by a wind farm built by Spanish renewable energy firm Greenalia, ensuring the project operates with a minimal environmental footprint.

When & How Much Carbon Will It Capture?

The initial phase of the project, scheduled to commence in 2028, aims to capture 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, with plans to scale up to a staggering 500,000 tonnes per year. This scalability is central to Skytree’s modular design, which allows additional units to be seamlessly integrated as the project grows. As Elena Nikonova, Vice President of Skytree North America, says, “Deploying DAC at scale is necessary to drive down costs across the value chain and achieve greater impact.”

According to Statista.com “Global GHG emissions have continued to rise and reached a new high of 53 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO₂e) in 2023”. This would mean that even at full capacity of 500,000 per year, this would require (many tens of) thousands of these (full-scale) projects to be running simultaneously aroundthe world, clearly a very ambitious task indeed! However, it is a start.

The Symbiotic Energy-DAC Relationship

A unique aspect of Project Concho is its synergistic relationship with the wind farm. DAC facilities are known for their high energy demands, which often make them financially and operationally challenging. However, Project Concho guarantees a consistent offloading of excess wind energy, ensuring stable revenue for Greenalia while securing low-cost renewable power for the DAC hub.

This mutually beneficial arrangement not only reduces operational costs for the DAC facility but also enhances the economic viability of wind energy projects. Alexandre Alonso, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Greenalia, has hailed this model as a “game-changer” for renewable energy partnerships.

Economic and Policy Context

The project has received significant support from the US government, reflecting a broader surge in DAC investments spurred by favourable policies and subsidies. For example, the Biden-Harris Administration recently announced $1.8 billion in funding for DAC technologies, adding to the lucrative 45Q tax credit established in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Under this credit, operators can earn up to $180 per metric tonne of CO₂ captured and stored.

This policy framework, coupled with private investment, has positioned the United States as a global leader in carbon removal efforts. Skytree’s CEO, Rob van Straten, has previously noted in interviews that the US (at present) offers a unique combination of industrial demand and governmental backing, creating fertile ground for projects like Project Concho.

Benefits of the Project

If successful, Project Concho could set a new standard for integrating renewable energy and carbon capture technology. Its wind-powered approach not only minimises the carbon footprint of the DAC process but also demonstrates the feasibility of large-scale renewable energy utilisation in industrial applications.

The project is also expected to generate revenue through the sale of carbon credits, providing a financial incentive for industries to offset their emissions. By capturing and permanently storing CO₂ underground, it could directly contribute to global climate goals, such as limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Project Concho’s scalable design could pave the way for similar ventures worldwide, particularly in regions with abundant renewable energy resources. As Nikonova says, this project “opens the door to even more ambitious and transformative carbon removal projects.”

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its promise, it’s worth noting that Project Concho faces some challenges. The high upfront costs of both wind farms and DAC facilities remain a significant barrier, even with government subsidies. Critics also argue that DAC technologies divert attention and resources from more established and cost-effective climate solutions, such as renewable energy expansion and reforestation.

There is also scepticism regarding the reliance on carbon credits as a revenue model. For example, while they provide financial incentives for emissions reduction, carbon credits have been criticised for enabling industries to continue polluting rather than transitioning to cleaner practices. Ensuring transparency and accountability in the carbon credit market will be crucial for the long-term success and credibility of projects like Project Concho.

What About The ‘Trump Factor’?

The future of Project Concho and similar initiatives could, however, face a starkly different reality under the incoming Trump administration. Trump’s scepticism toward climate change (he once famously called it a “hoax”) and his track record of rolling back environmental regulations raise serious concerns about the level of federal support such projects might receive in the next few years. For example, Trump’s previous withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and reduced funding for renewable energy development highlight a likely focus on fossil fuels rather than progressive climate solutions like DAC. Without supportive policies or subsidies, the financial viability of large-scale carbon capture hubs could be severely undermined.

Will It Really Make A Dent?

Even with robust backing, some question whether DAC technologies can scale up quickly enough to meet the urgent need for carbon removal. Current DAC facilities capture only a minute fraction of the billions of tonnes of CO₂ emitted annually. To meet the IPCC’s target of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, carbon removal technologies must achieve dramatic growth, something experts believe will require both significant technological advances and global political will. Additionally, the energy-intensive nature of DAC means that without renewable power integration, its environmental benefits could be negated. While initiatives like Project Concho show promise, their impact may be too limited unless accompanied by broader systemic changes.

Reduce Emissions First

Many critics also argue that more emphasis should be placed on reducing emissions at their source rather than relying on carbon capture to clean up the aftermath. Strategies such as transitioning industries to renewable energy, implementing stricter emissions standards, and investing in public transport and energy efficiency may offer immediate and cost-effective solutions. While DAC and similar technologies are valuable tools in the fight against climate change, their role must be complementary. Reducing emissions outright is not only faster but also addresses the root cause, making the overall climate effort far more sustainable.

Other Major Carbon Capture Projects

Project Concho is actually one of a growing list of ambitious carbon capture initiatives worldwide. Others include, for example:

Orca Plant, Iceland. Operational since 2021, this facility uses geothermal energy to capture and mineralise CO₂. It has a capacity of 4,000 tonnes per year but plans for significant expansion.

Boundary Dam, Canada. A coal-fired power station retrofitted with carbon capture technology, capable of capturing 1 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Porthos Project, Netherlands. A pipeline network under development to transport and store CO₂ emissions from industrial facilities beneath the North Sea.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The potential of Project Concho to reshape the landscape of carbon capture and renewable energy integration is undeniable in that it represents a bold step forward in addressing the complex challenge of global CO₂ emissions. By harnessing the power of wind energy to drive innovative DAC technology, the project demonstrates how industries can work together to create scalable, potentially impactful solutions. The promise of capturing up to 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint highlights the ingenuity at the heart of this initiative, not to mention the ambition.

However, the challenges and criticisms cannot be overlooked. High costs, energy demands, and reliance on carbon credits present hurdles that must be navigated with care. Additionally, the political landscape, particularly under a Trump administration sceptical of climate science, could pose significant obstacles to the kind of support such projects need to thrive. These uncertainties make it clear that carbon capture cannot serve as a standalone solution. It must complement a broader strategy that prioritises reducing emissions at their source.

Project Concho, therefore, highlights both the potential and the limitations of current carbon capture efforts. While it offers a promising glimpse into a future where renewable energy and DAC technology work in tandem, it also reveals the urgent need for systemic change. A multifaceted approach i.e., combining bold innovation, supportive policies, and a relentless focus on reducing emissions, may be essential if we are to meet the scale of the climate crisis. Although Project Concho may appear to be a crucial piece of the puzzle, the world must not lose sight of the bigger picture.

Losing all your LinkedIn data (profile, connections, posts etc) could be a major blow for many business people, so this video explains how to back everything up. The best part? It’s free!

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Sticky Notes in Windows allows you to jot down reminders, ideas, or to-do lists and keep them open on your desktop for quick reference. Here’s how to Use Sticky Notes:

Open Sticky Notes:

– Press Win + S, type Sticky Notes, and open the app.

Create a New Note:

– Click the + icon to create a new note. Type your reminder or task. You can colour cose it and even add an image.

Keep Notes Visible on the Desktop:

– Once created, the note will remain open on your desktop until you manually close it. Arrange it anywhere on your screen, and it will stay even after you restart your computer (as long as Sticky Notes is re-enabled).

Access Saved Notes Later:

– Sticky Notes automatically saves your content to your Microsoft account or local storage. To reopen your notes, open the Sticky Notes app again, and all previous notes will appear.