Majority of Singaporeans Struggle to Identify Deepfake Content, Reveals Survey

SINGAPORE - A recent survey conducted by the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) of Singapore has revealed a concerning gap in the public's ability to identify deepfake videos. Released on July 2, 2025, the survey indicates that only 25% of respondents were able to accurately distinguish between deepfake and legitimate content, despite nearly 80% expressing confidence in their ability to do so. This disparity highlights the challenges posed by the rise of generative artificial intelligence tools that facilitate the creation of deceptive content.

The Cybersecurity Public Awareness Survey, which included questions on deepfakes for the first time in its 2024 edition, polled 1,050 individuals aged 15 and above in October 2024. Participants were asked about their attitudes towards cyber incidents, mobile security, and their adoption of cybersecurity practices. David Koh, Chief Executive of CSA, emphasized the need for vigilance in the face of evolving cyber threats. "With cyber criminals constantly devising new scam tactics, we need to be vigilant and make it harder for them to scam us," Koh stated. He encouraged individuals to verify information with trusted sources before taking action.

The survey's findings reveal a slight increase in awareness regarding cybersecurity issues compared to previous years. However, when tested on their ability to identify phishing scams, only 13% of respondents succeeded, a drop from 24% in 2022. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns and highlights the need for improved education on recognizing cyber threats.

Significantly, the survey indicated an increase in the installation of cybersecurity applications and the adoption of two-factor authentication (2FA) among respondents. In 2024, 63% of participants reported having at least one security app installed, up from 50% in 2022. The adoption of 2FA also saw an uptick, rising from 35% to 41% over the same period. Despite this progress, only 36% of respondents accepted mobile device updates immediately, while 32% preferred to delay updates.

CSA's upcoming sixth National Cybersecurity Campaign, set to launch in September, aims to build on existing outreach efforts by emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity practices, such as installing security apps, enabling 2FA, and regularly updating software. The campaign will feature roadshows, corporate partnerships, and various outreach materials distributed through social media and other platforms.

The survey also revealed that approximately 25% of respondents reported experiencing at least one cyber incident, a slight decrease from 30% in 2022. The perception of risk regarding device compromise dropped from 60% in 2022 to 57% in 2024. Despite this decline, nearly 40% of respondents still felt vulnerable to online scams, down from 43% in the previous survey.

In light of these findings, experts stress the importance of ongoing education and awareness initiatives. Dr. Emma Wilson, a cybersecurity expert and Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore, noted the urgency of addressing the public's misconceptions about their cybersecurity capabilities. "The gap between confidence and actual ability to spot threats like deepfakes is alarming. It underscores the need for comprehensive education programs that equip individuals with the skills to navigate the digital landscape safely."

Moreover, the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) devices presents additional challenges for cybersecurity. Although 27% of respondents claimed to know how to secure their IoT devices, only 47% of IoT users had changed their default password settings, up from 38% in 2022. This indicates a significant area of vulnerability that requires more attention.

In conclusion, while there has been a notable increase in the adoption of cybersecurity measures among Singaporeans, the alarming inability to identify deepfake content calls for immediate and effective educational interventions. As technology evolves, so too must public awareness and preparedness strategies to combat the ever-growing threat of cybercrime.