Deepfake threats are evolving. Most tools can’t keep up.

The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a conceptual framework used to understand and standardize the functions of a communication system or network.

It divides the process of network communication into seven distinct layers, each with specific roles and responsibilities. This model helps different systems and technologies communicate effectively, regardless of their underlying architecture.

For decades, the OSI model has been the cornerstone paradigm for protecting organization networks, data, and cyber activity.

Media Layers (Lower Layers) focus on the physical transmission of data across the network and ensure that data is delivered from one device to another.

Traditional security tools protect the network, data link, and physical layers by controlling how devices connect, communicate, and access infrastructure.

At the network layer, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and segmentation enforce traffic policies and block malicious activity. At the data link layer, tools like NAC, VLAN security, MAC filtering, and switch-level protections prevent unauthorized device access and limit lateral movement. At the physical layer, safeguards such as locked server rooms, access control badges, cameras, and tamper-resistant hardware prevent direct interference with equipment and cabling. Together, these controls secure the foundational layers that all higher-level systems rely on.

Host Layers (Upper Layers) focus on end-to-end communication, data processing, and user interaction. Cybersecurity tools protect a host by securing every layer of the system—from the hardware and operating system up through applications, identities, data, network activity, and even user behavior.

Hardware and OS controls prevent deep, persistent attacks; application and process monitoring block exploits and malware; identity and access tools validate users; data protection prevents tampering or exfiltration; and network controls disrupt malicious communications.

Together, these layers form a defense-in-depth model that prevents, detects, contains, and remediates attacks across the entire host.

The OSI model emphasizes reliable communication, but deepfakes challenge this by introducing manipulated data that appears authentic. Compromised humans bypass traditional security tools that protect the media and host layers (such as EDR, IDV and ITDR) because, to the tools, they are authorized.

Once inside the network, the cybercriminals have free reign to create havoc, steal data, implant ransomware, as well as get an unsuspecting employee:

• To transfer or wire money.

• Change access controls.

• Hire bad actors impersonating someone else.

Compromised humans are now the fastest growing threat to organizations. Cybercriminals impersonate co-workers, leaders, friends, and other authorized experts to fool an employee into taking undesired action.

^{This new threat requires a new layer....we call this the HUMAN layer}

netarx is the only platform that detects and protects organizations from AI-generated threats like deepfake impersonations across all media channels. netarx prevents the human from becoming compromised by validating authenticity in real-time:

• Acquiring and combining cross-media metadata.

• Using best-in-class inference models and ensemble AI.

• Providing clear guidance to employees so that they can take action before enabling the criminal to get access to Layers 1 - 7.

• Providing detailed incident data and telemetry to Administrators for forensics as well as compliance reports.