In our 2017 cybersecurity series, we’ve discussed a lot of different attack methods used by hackers. Most of the time, these cyberattacks are either financially motivated or a way for hackers to gain notoriety. But this week’s security prediction focuses on threat actors who aim to sway the hearts and minds of the general public by using their talents for cyber propaganda.
Rise of cyber propaganda
Today, internet users have free rein in what information and media they consume. People have access to different information, regardless of “source, bias, or credibility.”
However, the contemporary internet user is also spoon-fed information. For example, social media websites like Facebook and Twitter have filter content, where discovery feeds are lined with posts endorsed only by friends, or content that users want to see based on their Likes, follows, and cookies.
Dedicated threat actors can then manipulate social media filtering to multiply their posts’ reach. With increased visibility, social media statements -- regardless of their legitimacy -- can influence a larger number of people. This tactic is popular during election periods, where fake news posts and unsubstantiated claims have the potential to sway public opinion.
Hackers who have successfully stolen sensitive data from organizations can also contribute to propaganda efforts by leaking information at opportune times. Cyber espionage groups like PawnStorm, for instance, used WikiLeaks as a platform to release compromising DNC materials a week before the 2016 US elections. In 2017, we predict that this group will likely do the same for upcoming EU-related elections in France and Germany.
Unfortunately, as social media becomes even more integral to people’s daily lives, cyber propagandists will continue to disseminate fake content and memes to serve their own political or reputational agenda.
All these factors combined will make it incredibly difficult this year for internet users to differentiate fact from fiction.
Other gains
According to Trend Micro’s research, a low-leveled cybercriminal can earn around $20 per month by driving traffic to illegitimate news sites and smear content. Compared to other cyberattacks, cyber propaganda might not be worthwhile for sophisticated hackers, but it is easy to perform and is not strictly policed like like ransomware and CEO fraud.
Other than political parties, cyber propaganda can also affect small- and medium-sized businesses. Threat actors determined enough to shut down your company can spread a slew of fake news, rumors, and leak sensitive information to dissuade potential customers from doing business with your organization.
The solution
Many cyber propaganda perpetrators will still try to substantiate their claims by leaking your company’s sensitive data. To make sure they don’t have any leverage over your company, install web and email gateway solutions, endpoint protection, and patch management.
Otherwise, managing your company’s online reputation properly can go a long way. If a threat actor is publishing false statements or leaking critical information out to the public, make sure to contact your IT services provider for further guidance.
If you want to know more about the other ways cybercriminals can attack your organization, get in touch with us at www.intelligis.com. Our managed IT services team in Atlanta are security professionals who know what it takes to get you out of a sticky security situation.
We have only two more cybersecurity predictions left to go! Stop by by next week to read our take on data security compliance.
