What is Sora and What Does It Mean for Your Personal Internet Security? | McAfee Blog

Imagine a tool that can transform text into captivating videos, bridging the gap between imagination and reality by creating videos that look “lifted from a Hollywood movie” in minutes. In a world where technology continues to push boundaries, OpenAI is once again at the forefront of innovation with the unveiling of Sora, a groundbreaking text-to-video artificial intelligence (AI) model.  

But what are the implications for personal internet security? As Sora enters the scene with its remarkable abilities, there arises a concern about how such advanced AI technology might impact the safety of online interactions and the potential for misuse or manipulation of generated content. 

What is Sora? 

OpenAI is the creator behind the ChatGPT AI chatbot. Their creation of Sora represents a leap forward in AI capabilities.  

Sora transforms text prompts into videos. Previously, videos created by AI have had issues like choppiness and distortion; it was easy to tell that it was AI-generated content. In contrast, Sora’s video creation capabilities are adept at crafting intricate scenes with vivid characters and dynamic motion. While Sora still has limitations, its ability as an instant video generator far surpasses what has been seen before.  

Currently, OpenAI is having Sora evaluated by cybersecurity professionals to identify critical areas for potential harm. As with any emerging technology, it’s essential to approach Sora with caution, recognizing both its benefits and its potential risks.  

Top Internet Safety Concerns About Sora 

Scammers and cybercriminals are likely to employ AI video generation for their deceptive purposes. Here are some of the dishonest applications of AI video generators to be aware of:  

1. Identity Theft and Fraud: Fake videos produced by AI could be used to impersonate individuals, creating convincing but false scenarios that could be used for identity theft or fraud.
   
2. Manipulation and Disinformation: Malicious actors could use AI-generated videos to fabricate events, statements, or actions, leading to confusion, social unrest, and distrust in authentic information sources.
   
3.  Privacy Violations: AI-generated videos could infringe on individuals’ privacy rights by creating realistic depictions of them without their consent. This could include manipulating existing footage or generating entirely fabricated scenes, compromising individuals’ privacy.
4. Deepfake Threats: Deepfake technology, which uses AI to superimpose one person’s face onto another’s body in a video, can be used to create convincing but entirely fabricated videos of individuals saying or doing things they never actually did.
5. Social Engineering Attacks: Fake videos could be used in social engineering attacks to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing actions they wouldn’t normally do. For example, attackers could create fake videos purporting to be from trusted sources, such as friends or family members, to trick individuals into revealing passwords or financial details. 

How to Stay Safer Against AI-generated Video Content 

Protecting yourself against the risks associated with AI-generated video content is paramount in today’s digital landscape. Here are some key strategies to stay safe: 

1. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the capabilities of AI technology, particularly in video generation. Understanding how deepfakes and other AI-generated content are created can help you recognize and mitigate their potential impact.
2. Verify Sources: Always scrutinize the source of video content. If something seems suspicious or too good to be true, take extra precautions before believing or sharing it.
3. Use Trusted Platforms: Whenever possible, consume video content from reputable sources and platforms that prioritize authenticity and credibility. Be cautious when viewing videos shared on social media or lesser-known websites.
4. Protect Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing personal information or engaging in sensitive conversations over video calls or messaging platforms. Verify the identity of individuals before divulging sensitive information.
5. Be On the Lookout for New Technologies: As new advancements that detect AI-generated content become available, they can be used to help identify potentially manipulated videos and provide an extra layer of security. 

While it’s essential to acknowledge the new risks to personal internet security brought about by advances in AI video generation, the future isn’t a daunting place—it’s brimming with endless technological possibilities.  

Embrace these opportunities with confidence, knowing that McAfee has your back. To protect your online privacy, devices, and identity, entrust your digital safety to McAfee+. McAfee+ includes $1 million in identity theft coverage, virtual private network (VPN), Personal Data Cleanup, and more.