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Deepfake fraud & social engineering: protective measures for event staff, promotion teams and rental equipment
Deepfake fraud & social engineering: protective measures for event staff, promotion teams and rental equipment
In 2025, deepfake fraud and social engineering are no longer hypothetical threats. Business areas with a high level of external contact, such as event staff, promotional teams and providers of rental devices such as iPhones or tablets, are particularly affected. Deepfake technologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated and refined. The combination of deceptively real videos, real-looking voices and manipulative social manipulation techniques presents companies with new security challenges.
What is deepfake fraud?
Deepfakes are media content created by artificial intelligence – such as videos, audio or images – in which people are replaced by others or their statements are falsified. Deepfake fraud uses this technology to specifically deceive people, e.g. through fake calls from seemingly familiar contact persons, fake video short messages or stolen identities in online meetings.
The combination with social engineering – i.e. interpersonal manipulation to obtain sensitive data or unauthorized access to systems – results in a threatening alliance that specifically exploits weaknesses in human processes.
Why the event industry is particularly at risk
In contrast to firmly established corporate processes, events, roadshows and trade fairs thrive on short-term organization, changing personnel and high dynamics. It is precisely this flexibility that makes the industry vulnerable:
- Temporary staff: Temporary employees or hostesses who are not integrated into the company’s security culture are often deployed.
- Mobile use of technology: Loaned devices such as iPhones (e.g. the iPhone 15) or Samsung Galaxy Tablets must be set up quickly, easily and regardless of location – this opens up scope for manipulation.
- High volume of communication: There is a constant exchange between clients, service providers and staff – an ideal environment for falsified communication.
Current fraud scenarios with deepfakes at companies
The combination of deepfake technologies and social engineering has already led to real, sometimes spectacular cases of fraud.
| Scenario | Scenario Description | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Fake video call from the “supervisor” | A promotions team receives a video call from the alleged team leader, who provides new access data. | Devices are compromised, data stolen, malware installed. |
| Deceiver calls as CEO | A deepfake audio call from the supposed CEO asks an employee to make a payment to a “partner company”. | High level of payment fraud, loss of reputation. |
| Fraudster orders devices from another company | Using a fake identity (e.g. of a customer), someone rents current devices such as the iPhone 16e or a Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite under a false flag. | Device loss, credit risk, damage to customer relationships. |
What protective measures make sense for event staff and technology rental companies?
In order for a company to effectively protect itself against deepfake fraud in a mobile and event-specific context, various organizational, technical and personnel measures should be implemented.
1. training and awareness programs
All staff – including temporary staff – should be regularly informed about the types and techniques of deepfake fraud and social engineering:
- What is a deepfake?
- How do I recognize suspicious communication attempts?
- How do I react when someone puts me under pressure?
Interactive e-learning and short “security briefings” before events are effective ways of drastically reducing the risk.
2. testing digital communication
In times of deepfakes, no critical communication decision should be made on the basis of audio or video content alone. Use additional authentication methods:
- Double authentication via chat or intranet communication
- Callback via known (internal) numbers
- Encrypted mail traffic and signature checks
3. secure device provisioning and MDM solutions
A secure process is essential, especially when renting mobile devices such as tablets or iPhones for promotional purposes. We can help with this:
- Device management via Mobile Device Management (MDM)
- Geospatial tracking and remote wipe
- Temporary device profiles with limited rights
- VPN default and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
We also recommend modern anti-theft devices for smartphones, which provide additional physical protection.
Recommended service in this case: prepared rental devices with integrated security solution, bookable directly via a specialized rental company.
Our tip: Safety starts with the choice of device
As a provider in the B2B rental equipment segment, we not only offer you the right event technology, but also comprehensive security solutions – from configuration to retrieval. To ensure that your teams are protected on the road, we recommend combinations such as:
- iPad Pro with MDM and personalized access control
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra with security suite for outdoor teams
- iPhone 15 with secure company profile and app kiosk mode
All devices can be easily requested via our contact page – we can also provide multilingual briefing materials for event staff on request.
Technology vs. deception: How AI is also used for defense
Incidentally, AI can also be used to combat deepfake fraud: Algorithms now exist that identify deepfake videos based on discontinuities in facial expressions, lip synchronization and shadows. Some of these tools are now available as APIs or plugins for security software.
Voice verification via biometric features and AI-supported behavioral analyses are also increasingly being used. These can automatically sound the alarm if, for example, an unusually high number of device requests come from an account or if a manager’s speech pattern deviates significantly from the norm.
Deepfake security is not a one-off project
Especially in a dynamic industry such as event logistics, security is not a static state, but an ongoing task. New scams are constantly emerging and adapting to new technologies and operating processes. Security must therefore grow with it, and this can only be achieved through:
- Regular updates of the technologies used
- Security-related feedback from employees (“Security Feedback Loop”)
- Synergy between internal IT team and external technology partner
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about safety at rental devices & events
How do I recognize fake video calls at events?
Watch out for asynchronous lip movements, unnatural blinking or visual artifacts. If in doubt, obtain additional confirmation via other communication channels.
As a landlord, how can I prevent a device from being misused?
Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) with geo-fencing and access restriction. Device profiles can be restricted centrally and deleted again if required.
What is a safe procedure for identifying personnel?
Use personal codes, temporary IDs and verification via QR on a trusted platform. Do not accept instructions by phone alone.
Can we have the technology you have hired adapted to our security standards?
Yes, we offer customized pre-configurations according to your requirements including MDM connection, apps and security profiles – just contact us.
Conclusion: Proactive security protects against damage caused by deepfakes and social engineering
Deepfake fraud and social engineering will be among the main dangers of digitally networked, mobile business areas in 2025. Anyone using Apple iPhones or tablets for events must establish additional protective measures – both technically and organizationally.
It is no longer enough to rely solely on virus scanners and standard passwords: MDM solutions, AI-supported test procedures, trained teams on site and trustworthy technology partners are crucial. Companies that invest at an early stage avoid high costs due to fraud, data loss or damage to their image.
Our offer for you: Highly secure, pre-installed rental devices with remote management, individual configuration and personal event service. Contact us – for a smooth process without security risks!
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