Friend or Replicant - How Attackers Automate and Disguise Themselves

Explore the intricate world of automated attacks and disguised online identities in this BSidesSF 2019 conference talk. Delve into the ecosystem of fake accounts, examining their lifecycle and the tools used to generate artificial engagement. Learn about content repurposing, account takeovers, strategic fake account creation, and emulation of real user behavior. Discover practical steps for building influencer networks using off-the-shelf tools and advanced techniques employed in current attacks. Gain insights into the fake account economy, credential stuffing, and the challenges of distinguishing between real and artificial online presences. Understand the impact of these tactics on the information landscape and social media platforms.