CyberTech Top Voice: Interview with Abhishek Karnik, Head of Threat Research at McAfee

Hello, CyberTech community. Welcome to part #25 of the CyberTech Top Voice interview series with Abhishek Karnik, Head of Threat Research at McAfee.

Thanks for having me! I lead the Threat Research team at McAfee, where I’m fortunate to work with an incredible group of cybersecurity experts dedicated to analyzing threats and intelligence – with a focus on developing protection strategies and delivering threat detection content for McAfee’s products.

I’ve worked in the cybersecurity field for around two decades, and along the way, I’ve had some unique opportunities to contribute to both enterprise and consumer security. I’ve been lucky enough to receive a few recognitions, like the Péter Szőr Award and the Intel Achievement Award, but honestly, the most rewarding part of my job is collaborating with talented people and finding solutions to tough security challenges; it feels great to know that our work is truly helping people stay safe.

I started my journey with a Master’s degree from the University of Central Florida and later completed the Stanford LEAD Executive Program. But really, every day at McAfee feels like a learning experience, and I’m constantly inspired by the work our team does to innovate and push the boundaries of cybersecurity.

Since 90% of our audience consists of C-level executives looking to hire top tech talent, what cybersecurity certifications do you recommend for young professionals and mid-level managers in 2025 to meet hiring expectations?

For young professionals, I’d recommend starting with certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) to build a strong foundation. Those looking to establish a long-term career might aim for a CISSP, which really sets candidates apart. I’d also highly recommend exploring the SANS Institute, which offers a range of practical training and certifications that are well-regarded in the industry.

When it comes to academic backgrounds, degrees in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or Information Technology are ideal. With the growing importance of AI and analytics in security, majors like Machine Learning and Data Science can also be valuable.

For mid-level managers, certifications like CISM or CISA help bridge technical skills with leadership and strategy. As cloud security continues to grow, something like the CCSP is also a smart move. Adding a Master’s in Cybersecurity or an MBA with a tech focus can further strengthen leadership credentials.

But beyond certifications, we’re really looking for those who are naturally curious and constantly self-learning. Cybersecurity is all about problem-solving and experimentation, so the best talent brings not just technical skills but also a proactive mindset and a willingness to explore new solutions.

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How do you stay on top of cybersecurity technology trends and research? Could you highlight how platforms such as CyberTech Insights could benefit decision-makers and researchers?

I stay on top of cybersecurity trends through a mix of continuous learning and real-world experiences. At McAfee, I’m fortunate to lead a talented threat research team, and I learn a lot from their expertise in areas like malware analysis and emerging threats. We regularly share insights and discuss the latest tactics used by cybercriminals.

Beyond that, I’m always reading cybersecurity blogs, staying up to date with industry reports, and keeping an eye on new scams and tactics. I even have family and friends who’ll send me screenshots of suspicious messages they’ve received to see if they’re scams—it keeps me sharp! I also find myself scrolling through social media, looking out for fraudulent schemes, like fake doctors selling weight loss products on platforms like TikTok.

The cybersecurity landscape is always changing, and staying ahead means being curious, engaged, and sometimes a bit of a detective. Combining these everyday experiences with professional insights helps me and my team deliver stronger protection to our customers.

McAfee’s Product Roadmap

What does McAfee’s 2025 product roadmap look like? How much of this roadmap is influenced by new-gen technologies such as Generative AI?

McAfee’s 2025 product roadmap is all about protecting consumers from scams.

We’ve been developing and training advanced AI models to defend against a range of scams – we demonstrated our text, email, and deepfake detection innovations at CES in January – to better protect people’s privacy, security, and identity, and help them tell truth from fiction online. One great example is McAfee Deepfake Detector, which uses Smart AI to analyze online videos and alert consumers if audio is AI-generated or altered. It’s like having a personal lie detector for digital content.

At CES, we also previewed McAfee Scam Detector, designed to spot and stop scams before they impact consumers. It’s an exciting step forward as we work to make powerful security tools accessible and effective for everyday use. Stay tuned on that! 

AI is a significant part of our technology stack and has been for quite some time. We use good AI to beat bad AI – as scammers get more creative with generative AI, we’re using AI-powered technology to outsmart them. It’s a bit like a cybersecurity chess match—our models are always learning and adapting to stay one step ahead.

How does McAfee’s new AI-powered scam detection technology differ from previous solutions, and what specific types of scams can it detect in real-time?

We previewed McAfee Scam Detector at CES in January; it spots and stops scams across mobile text messaging (SMS), email, and video—wherever you’re online—to keep people from being fooled by increasingly sophisticated scams.

It uses advanced AI to analyze content and provide alerts before you engage with potentially harmful messages or videos and even offers insight on why the scams it flags have been identified as such, giving people the digital street smarts needed to recognize the tactics often used by cybercrooks.

As scammers get more sophisticated, we’re committed to staying a step ahead, offering proactive, easy-to-use protection that adapts to new threats.

Can you elaborate on the role of McAfee’s Deepfake Detector in identifying deepfakes and voice cloning, and how effective is it at catching these threats in 2025?

McAfee Deepfake Detector helps consumers spot deepfakes before they’re fooled. It uses advanced AI to analyze videos, looking for subtle signs of manipulation—for example, if a voice has been altered.

This technology works in seconds and is available in a number of countries worldwide, offering a sort of “gut check” for online content and giving users the confidence to make informed decisions.

What are some of the most common types of scams that consumers should be aware of in 2025, according to McAfee’s latest research and consumer survey?

Scams are surging, and deepfakes are on the rise— especially in North America, where we’ve seen a staggering 1,740% increase in deepfakes over the past year. Some of the most common scams we’re seeing right now include:

• Romance Scams: Scammers shower victims with affection early on to gain trust, often targeting people through dating apps and social media.
• Cryptocurrency Scams: These often involve AI-generated videos of public figures promoting fake crypto opportunities.
• Job Scams: Particularly aimed at recent graduates, scammers may ask for fees for fake background checks or other non-existent requirements.
• Live Stream Scams: Fraudsters embed fake opportunities, like cryptocurrency schemes, into real-time events such as live SpaceX launches.
• Tax Scams: Scammers pose as tax authorities or impersonate trusted tax preparation platforms, demanding personal information or immediate payments.
• Toll Scams: Victims receive fake notifications about unpaid tolls, often leading to malicious websites designed to steal payment details.
• Charity/Donation Scams: Scammers exploit goodwill by creating fake charities, often around natural disasters or crises, to steal donations or personal information.
• Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters pretend to be from legitimate tech companies, convincing victims to grant remote access to their devices or pay for unnecessary “repairs.”

Based on 2025 Research Papers and Recent Updates

How does McAfee gather data and insights for its research on scammer tactics, and what trends are emerging in the types of scams that are being used?

Our team monitors emerging trends across a broad range of threats—not just scams, but also PII protection, antivirus, web security, and more.

We generate threat intelligence by analyzing data from text messaging, email, videos, antivirus, web telemetry, and mobile platforms. We also conduct threat hunting using spamtraps, honeypots, and other tools, while studying how bad actors spread disinformation, scams, and malware. 

Lately, we’ve noticed scammers getting more creative with AI—like using deepfake videos or crafting more convincing phishing messages. It’s all about staying ahead of the curve and making sure consumers have the tools to spot these evolving threats. 

How has consumer sentiment regarding online security and scams evolved over the past year, according to the results of McAfee’s consumer survey?

Over the past year, we’ve seen a real shift in how consumers feel about online security and scams.

With reduced fact-checking and content moderation on social platforms, combined with the rise of AI-driven scams, threats are spreading faster and becoming more sophisticated. Despite growing awareness, our McAfee Scamiverse report found that the average person still encounters around twelve scams per day. These scams aren’t just a nuisance—they’re having a real impact.

One-third of those who fall victim to scams globally lose $500 or more, and over a third say being scammed caused moderate to significant distress. It’s clear that while people are getting better at spotting scams, the emotional and financial toll remains high. That’s why it’s so important for us to keep innovating and providing the tools consumers need to stay safe online.

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Can you provide examples of how McAfee’s scam detection tools alert users about potential threats like fraudulent emails, texts, or other forms of digital deception?

Absolutely! McAfee’s scam detection tools are designed to alert users about potential threats without interrupting their online experience. When a scam is detected, users receive simple, clear alerts explaining why the content might be suspicious. The goal is to keep consumers informed and empowered without causing unnecessary disruptions. Here’s how it works across different channels:

• Email Scam Detector: Flags suspicious emails, provides context on the risks, and helps users identify red flags. It works by linking email accounts like Gmail or Outlook.
• Text Scam Detector: Recognizes common scam tactics—like unsolicited “Hi, how are you?” texts—and delivers real-time warnings.
• Deepfake Detector: Analyzes videos to identify AI-generated content, protecting consumers from manipulative fake videos or endorsements.
• Seamless Notifications: Alerts show up directly on devices, whether in mobile apps, email inboxes, or video platforms, so users are always aware of potential threats.

Beyond scam detection, McAfee offers a full range of tools to help people feel safe and secure online. Whether it’s protecting devices with antivirus software, keeping browsing safe with web protection, or offering identity theft protection and mobile security, our goal is simple—to give consumers peace of mind wherever life takes them online.

What impact do you foresee AI and deepfake technology having on online scams in the coming years, and how is McAfee preparing for these challenges?

AI and deepfake technology have elevated the impact of social engineering attacks, making online scams more convincing and harder to detect.

It’s a real concern that scammers can now create realistic deepfake avatars for as little as five dollars and in as few as ten minutes. While AI is helping us do amazing things, it’s also making life easier for cybercriminals. It speeds up every step of their attack process, from planning to execution, allowing misinformation to spread quickly and making it easier to trick people into sharing personal or financial information.

At McAfee, we’re staying ahead of this trend by giving consumers the tools they need to spot these scams early. Our approach is all about meeting consumers wherever they are—on their phone, desktop, social media, or email—so they can navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

We know the technology will keep evolving, and so will we. It’s an ongoing battle, but we’re committed to keeping our customers one step ahead of emerging threats.

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FUTURE-GAZING

How does McAfee plan to continue evolving its security technologies to stay ahead of emerging threats in the ever-changing landscape of digital deception?

Looking ahead, we’re focused on expanding deepfake detection to more devices, platforms, languages, and locales to ensure consumers everywhere have the tools they need to defend against these threats. We’re also developing deepfake image scam detection, which we showcased at CES, to spot AI-generated images in real time. We’ve seen how scammers use fake images during hurricane season in Florida and wildfires in California to spread misinformation and add to the chaos. Our goal is to help people see through these deceptions and stay informed. Lastly, we’re continuing to develop our AI model’s efficiency and reach, with a focus on privacy-first, on-device solutions. Privacy is core to McAfee’s innovation strategy, and we’re focused on providing secure, comprehensive protection across devices while protecting consumers’ valuable personal information. 

What are your predictions for the future of cybersecurity and anti-phishing teams? 

The future of cybersecurity will be defined by the challenge of keeping up with rapidly evolving, AI-driven threats.

At McAfee, we’ve been using AI and machine learning to protect our customers for years—long before it became a buzzword. We’ve always leveraged “good AI” to outsmart “bad AI,” and our learning models get smarter with every new scam we analyze, allowing us to predict and prevent emerging threats.

But we’re not stopping there. We’re expanding our toolkit to ensure our customers are ready for the threats of today and tomorrow. Our focus is on delivering real-time, proactive tools that offer seamless, privacy-first protection across all digital channels—from social media to email to messaging apps.

As threats become more sophisticated, our technology will continue to evolve—always staying one step ahead and giving consumers the confidence to navigate the digital world safely.

Thank you so much, Abhishek, for your time and consideration.

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