Accenture invests in AI startup Reality Defender to combat deepfake threats
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Global professional services giant Accenture has announced an investment in Reality Defender, a New York-based cybersecurity firm specializing in deepfake detection.
The investment aims to bolster cybersecurity defenses in financial services, media, and high-tech industries by integrating Reality Defender’s technology into its offerings.
Rising cybersecurity threats
The investment comes at a critical time, as cybercriminals increasingly leverage generative AI for sophisticated attacks. Accenture’s Cyber Intelligence researchers have documented an alarming 223% increase in deepfake-related tool trading on dark web forums during Q1 2024 compared to the previous year.
“As deepfakes become more convincing and harder to identify, organizations urgently need scalable and effective detection solutions,” said Paolo Dal Cin, global lead, of Accenture Security.
“Reality Defender offers a unique approach to proactively detect AI-related threats across image, audio, text and video. Our investment in Reality Defender demonstrates our strong commitment to helping clients confidently navigate the gen AI-driven threat landscape, mitigate financial fraud and maintain the integrity of their digital communications.”
Strategic partnership benefits
Reality Defender, founded in 2021, provides comprehensive solutions for detecting AI-generated content across multiple formats, including voice fraud in call centers and media verification in newsrooms. The company’s real-time detection platform can identify sophisticated audio-based deepfakes during live interactions.
“Accenture’s global reach and cybersecurity expertise will allow Reality Defender to scale our technology during a time of heightened deepfake volatility,” said Ben Colman, Co-Founder and CEO of Reality Defender.
“With Accenture’s support and alignment with our mission of combatting AI-generated fraud, we can work toward defeating the most advanced cyber threats of our time. Through our collaborative efforts, we will pave the way for a more secure and trustworthy digital landscape, ensuring a safer future for all.”
Global reach and integration
Accenture reported revenues of $16.4 billion for the fourth quarter, up 3 percent in U.S. dollars and 5 percent in local currencies over comparable prior year periods.
The company operates in more than 120 countries and has a workforce of about 750,000 people. For the second year running, it ranked #1 in OA500 2024, an objective index of the world’s 500 top outsourcing companies.
The outsourcing giant plans to incorporate Reality Defender’s technology into its existing deepfake detection and protection services. This integration will particularly benefit financial institutions, which remain prime targets for fraudsters.
The investment comes through Accenture Ventures’ Project Spotlight program, though specific financial terms remain undisclosed. Reality Defender, which recently won the RSA Innovation award, joins other cybersecurity companies in Accenture’s portfolio, including Aliro Quantum, Tenchi Security, SpiderOak, and Interos.
