Guide
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 Devices
In 2025, deepfake fraud and social engineering are no longer hypothetical threats. Business areas with high levels of external contact are particularly affected, including event staff, promotion teams and providers of rental devices such as iPhones or tablets. Deepfake technologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated. The combination of deceptively realistic videos, convincing synthetic voices and manipulative social engineering techniques presents companies with new security challenges.
What Is Deepfake Fraud?
Deepfakes are media content created using artificial intelligence – such as videos, audio recordings or images – in which people are replaced by others or their statements are manipulated. Deepfake fraud uses this technology to deliberately deceive people, for example through fake calls from supposedly trusted contacts, forged short video messages or stolen identities in online meetings.
Combined with social engineering – interpersonal manipulation designed to obtain sensitive data or unauthorised access to systems – this creates a dangerous combination that specifically exploits weaknesses in human processes.
Why the Events Industry Is Particularly at Risk
Unlike established corporate processes, events, roadshows and trade fairs rely on short-term organisation, changing personnel and highly dynamic environments. This flexibility is exactly what makes the industry vulnerable:
- Temporary staff: Short-term employees or hostesses are often brought in and may not be fully integrated into the company’s security culture.
- Mobile technology use: Rental devices such as iPhones, such as the iPhone 15, or Samsung Galaxy tablets need to be configured quickly, easily and independently of location – creating additional opportunities for manipulation.
- High communication volume: Clients, service providers and staff communicate constantly – an ideal environment for fraudulent messages.
Current Deepfake Fraud Scenarios in Companies
The combination of deepfake technologies and social engineering has already resulted in real and sometimes spectacular fraud cases.
| Scenario | Description | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Fake video call from a “manager” | A promotion team receives a video call from an alleged team leader who provides new login credentials. | Devices are compromised, data is stolen and malware is installed. |
| Fraudster calls posing as the CEO | A deepfake audio call from the supposed managing director instructs an employee to make a payment to a “partner company”. | Significant financial fraud and reputational damage. |
| Fraudster orders devices in another company’s name | Using a stolen or forged identity, for example that of a customer, someone rents current devices such as the iPhone 16e or a Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite under false pretences. | Device loss, credit risk and reputational damage in customer relationships. |
Which Protective Measures Make Sense for Event Staff and Technology Rental?
To protect a company effectively against deepfake fraud in mobile and event-specific environments, a combination of organisational, technical and personnel-related measures should be implemented.
1. Training and Awareness Programmes
All staff – including temporary workers – should be regularly informed about the types and techniques of deepfake fraud and social engineering:
- What is a deepfake?
- How do I recognise suspicious communication attempts?
- How should I react if someone puts me under pressure?
Interactive e-learning modules and short “security briefings” before events are effective ways to reduce the risk significantly.
2. Verification of Digital Communication
In the age of deepfakes, no critical decision should be made solely on the basis of audio or video content. Use additional authentication methods:
- Dual verification via chat or intranet communication
- Call back using known internal telephone numbers
- Encrypted email communication and signature verification
3. Secure Device Provisioning and MDM Solutions
Especially when renting mobile devices such as tablets or iPhones for promotional use, a secure process is essential. Useful measures include:
- Device management via Mobile Device Management (MDM)
- Geospatial tracking and remote wipe
- Temporary device profiles with restricted permissions
- Mandatory VPN use and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Modern anti-theft solutions for smartphones are also recommended and provide additional physical protection.
A recommended service in this case is: preconfigured rental devices with integrated security solutions, available directly from a specialised rental provider.
Our Tip: Security Starts with Device Selection
As a provider in the B2B rental device sector, we offer not only suitable event technology but also comprehensive security solutions – from configuration to return logistics. To keep your teams protected while working on the move, we recommend combinations such as:
- iPad Pro with MDM and customised access control
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra with security suite for outdoor teams
- iPhone 15 with a secured company profile and app kiosk mode
All devices can be requested easily via our contact page – and on request, we can also provide multilingual briefing materials for event staff.
Technology vs. Deception: How AI Can Also Be Used for Defence
AI can also be used to combat deepfake fraud. Algorithms now exist that can identify deepfake videos by detecting inconsistencies in facial expressions, lip synchronisation and shadows. Some of these tools are already available as APIs or plugins for security software.
Voice verification using biometric characteristics and AI-supported behavioural analysis is also being used increasingly. These systems can automatically trigger an alert if, for example, an unusually high number of device requests come from one account or if the voice pattern of a senior executive differs significantly from the norm.
Deepfake Security Is Not a One-Time Project
Especially in a dynamic sector such as event and event logistics, security is not a static condition but an ongoing task. New fraud methods emerge continuously and adapt to new technologies and business processes. Security therefore needs to evolve as well, which can only be achieved through:
- Regular updates to the technologies in use
- Security-related feedback from employees (“Security Feedback Loop”)
- Close cooperation between the internal IT team and external technology partners
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Security for Rental Devices & Events
How Can I Recognise Fake Video Calls at Events?
Look for asynchronous lip movements, unnatural blinking or visual artefacts. If in doubt, obtain additional confirmation through another communication channel.
How Can I Prevent a Rental Device from Being Misused?
Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) with geo-fencing and access restrictions. Device profiles can be restricted centrally and deleted again when necessary.
What Is a Secure Way to Verify Staff Identity?
Use personal codes, temporary ID cards and QR-based verification on a trusted platform. Never accept critical instructions solely by phone.
Can the Technology We Rent from You Be Adapted to Our Security Standards?
Yes, we offer customised preconfigurations based on your requirements, including MDM integration, apps and security profiles – simply contact us.
Conclusion: Proactive Security Protects Against Damage from Deepfakes and Social Engineering
Deepfake fraud and social engineering are among the main threats facing digitally connected and mobile business environments in 2025. Companies using Apple iPhones or tablets for events need to establish additional protective measures – both technical and organisational.
Relying only on antivirus software and standard passwords is no longer enough. MDM solutions, AI-supported verification methods, trained on-site teams and trusted technology partners are essential. Companies that invest early can avoid high costs caused by fraud, data loss or reputational damage.
Our offer for you: Highly secure, preinstalled rental devices with remote management, customised configuration and personal event service. Contact us – for smooth operations without unnecessary security risks!
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