In 2026, you can be replaced. And your loved ones will believe it

Voice, face, video calls, messages and “evidence” in photos and videos are no longer a guarantee of authenticity. Generative AI has made identity substitution fast, cheap, and массовой. A few public videos and voice messages are enough to create a digital imprint of a person. And then — a convincing call “from trouble,” an urgent request to transfer money or hand over access.

We are entering an era where trust in images and voices no longer works automatically. This is not a reason to panic, but a reason to implement digital hygiene — simple rules that break scammers’ сценарии.

First — a code phrase for the family. A short construction known only to your own people and not connected to obvious life facts. Any request like “urgent,” “I can’t talk,” “you need to transfer money” must go through verification with this phrase. No phrase — no action, even if the voice and face look familiar.

Second — the rule of the second channel. All requests about money, codes, and access must be verified through an alternative communication method: calling back a saved number, messaging in another messenger, уточнение через третьего человека. If the situation is real, confirmation will take minutes. If it’s an attack — it will collapse.

Third — the rule of zero codes. Codes from SMS, push notifications, and “confirm login” emails are never shared with anyone. Not with “security services,” not with “bank support.” The only action is to call the official number from the website or app yourself. Not the number from the message.

Fourth — a 60-second pause. Fraud almost always pressures emotions: “right now,” “don’t hang up,” “this is secret.” A one-minute pause breaks the impulse. During this time, you can recall the code phrase, apply the second channel rule, and activate rational thinking. Impulsiveness is their tool. The pause is yours.

Fifth — privacy as hygiene. The less public “raw material,” the harder it is to create a качественную fake. A hidden phone number, cleaned old profiles, limited voice and video access, revised privacy settings — this is not paranoia, but reducing the attack surface.

Sixth — access control. A password manager, unique passwords, two-factor authentication wherever possible, offline storage of backup codes, and enabled login notifications. Most hacks happen not because of super hackers, but because of reused passwords and lack of 2FA.

Seventh — financial architecture. Transfer limits, a separate card for online payments, transaction notifications. In business — payment confirmation by two people or via two independent channels. Even if one level is breached, the second will stop the attack.

These rules work only if agreed upon in advance. One conversation with loved ones — and everything works on autopilot. Technologies will become more complex: generative video, voice synthesis, and digital twins are becoming higher quality and more accessible. The line between real and generated is blurring.

In this world, the main skill is not fear, but awareness and basic discipline. But everything starts with something simple — agree today so that tomorrow you don’t have to explain how “you called yourself.”