AI-powered imposter poses as US Secretary of State Rubio
The US issued a global alert after AI-generated content was used to impersonate Secretary Rubio and target foreign officials.
An imposter posing as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio used an AI-generated voice and text messages to contact high-ranking officials, including foreign ministers, a senator, and a state governor.
The messages, sent through SMS and the encrypted app Signal, triggered an internal warning across the US State Department, according to a classified cable dated 3 July.
The individual created a fake Signal account using the name ‘Marco.Rubio@state.gov’ and began contacting targets in mid-June.
At least two received AI-generated voicemails, while others were encouraged to continue the chat via Signal. US officials said the aim was likely to gain access to sensitive information or compromise official accounts.
The State Department confirmed it is investigating the breach and has urged all embassies and consulates to remain alert. While no direct cyber threat was found, the department warned that shared information could still be exposed if targets were deceived.
A spokesperson declined to provide further details for security reasons.
The incident appears linked to a broader wave of AI-driven disinformation. A second operation, possibly tied to Russian actors, reportedly targeted Gmail accounts of journalists and former officials.
The FBI has warned of rising cases of ‘smishing’ and ‘vishing’ involving AI-generated content.
Experts now warn that deepfakes are becoming harder to detect, as the technology advances faster than defences.
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