What if the next attack isn’t a hack—but disinformation
Top tips is a weekly column where we highlight what’s trending in the tech world and share ways to stay ahead. This week, we’re exploring how disinformation security is emerging as a crucial defense strategy—protecting not just systems, but trust, reputation, and everything your audience believes to be true.
Let’s say your company just launched a new product.
It’s been two days. Reviews are positive. Sales are steady.
Then… it happens.
A news link pops up on social media, claiming your product has a dangerous flaw. It’s shared with a voice clip of your CEO "admitting it." The article looks legit. The voice sounds real. The panic spreads. Calls flood in. Your team scrambles.
Except none of it is true.
Not the quote.
Not the article.
Not even the website.
That’s disinformation. This kind of cyberattack doesn’t need malware or a security breach; it only needs people to believe what they see.
What is disinformation security?
Disinformation security focuses on detecting, preventing, and stopping the spread of false or misleading content like deepfakes, fake news, AI-generated scams, and forged documents. These attacks aren’t about breaking into your network. They’re about breaking into your audience’s mind.
Disinformation vs. cyberattack
Unlike traditional cyberattacks that go after servers, software, and databases, disinformation attacks aim at something far more personal, what people believe.
Cyberattacks target your digital infrastructure
Disinformation targets human perception.
Where does disinformation security actually focus?
Disinformation might come in many shapes, but the fight against it boils down to three major zones of protection. Gartner highlights these as the core areas where smart organizations are now investing:
1. Deepfake Detection
Fake videos or voice clips can look real and cause panic. Disinformation security uses AI tools to spot and stop these before they do damage.
2. Impersonation protection
Attackers may pretend to be someone you trust, through emails or fake behaviour. Advanced systems check how users act, not just their login, to catch fakes.
3. Reputation protection
False information can ruin your brand's image fast. These tools track where it starts and how it spreads, so you can stop it early.
According to Gartner, over 50% of companies will use such tools by 2028, up from just 5% in 2024.
Types of disinformation
Deepfakes – AI-generated fake videos or audio that look and sound real but aren’t.
Forgeries – Fake documents, emails, or social media posts made to look official.
Phishing – Fake emails or websites that trick users into giving away personal information.
Vishing – Scam phone calls pretending to be from trusted sources to collect sensitive data.
Smishing – Fraudulent text messages with fake links or urgent requests to steal information.
Cheapfakes – Real videos or audios that are edited or taken out of context to mislead.
Proxy websites – Fake websites that copy the look of real ones, often with slight URL changes.
What can organizations do to prevent them?
1. Always double check the content before acting on it
If you receive a shocking email, a “leaked” document, or a message that feels urgent, pause. Don’t rush to forward it or make decisions. Verify the source first.
Even a fake message that looks real can cause a lot of confusion.
2. Use tools that detect fake content
There are smart tools today that use AI and blockchain to check if a video, image, or document is real or edited. These tools can tell if something has been changed or created to trick people.
This is especially helpful for catching deepfakes or forged documents early.
3. Keep an eye on where false stories begin
A lot of disinformation starts in places like shady websites, social media, or even the dark web. By using monitoring tools, organizations can spot harmful content before it spreads too far.
Early detection means you have time to respond before damage is done.
4. Make identity checks stronger
A lot of false information spreads through fake emails or messages that pretend to be from real people. Add extra steps like two-factor authentication to make sure only trusted users can send or share important info.
If someone tries to act like your CEO or HR, the system should catch it.
Pro tip: Create a disinformation response plan
It should clearly define:
Who checks if the content is real or fake
Who responds and how (internally and publicly)
How and when to escalate the issue
A good plan helps your team act fast, stay calm, and protect your brand when false stories start to spread.
Before you go,
In a world where falsehoods can spread faster than facts, disinformation is no longer just a PR issue—it’s a real cybersecurity threat. From deepfakes to fake websites, today’s attackers aren’t just targeting your systems; they’re targeting trust itself. The good news? With the right tools, awareness, and a solid response plan, organizations can stay ahead. Disinformation may be clever, but preparation is smarter. In the age of digital deception, protecting what’s true is the strongest defense you have.