U.S. Midterm Elections Series: Demystifying Harmful Online Information

U.S. Midterm Elections Series: Demystifying Harmful Online Information

Product Serial: B-2022-09-09a

TLP:CLEAR

In this brief, ZeroFox Intelligence explains mis-, dis-, and malinformation while providing examples and recommendations on how to combat this harmful content.

Standing Intelligence Requirements

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https://cloud.zerofox.com/intelligence/advisories/14956

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Scope Note

ZeroFox Intelligence is derived from a variety of sources, including—but not limited to—curated open-source accesses, vetted social media, proprietary data sources, and direct access to threat actors and groups through covert communication channels. Information relied upon to complete any report cannot always be independently verified. As such, ZeroFox applies rigorous analytic standards and tradecraft in accordance with best practices and includes caveat language and source citations to clearly identify the veracity of our Intelligence reporting and substantiate our assessments and recommendations. All sources used in this particular Intelligence product were identified prior to 5:00 PM (EDT) on September 2, 2022; per cyber hygiene best practices, caution is advised when clicking on any third-party links.

Executive Summary

The production and promulgation of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation is transforming the public discourse—exacerbating simmering social, political, and geopolitical issues across all sectors of society. These terms are often used interchangeably and erroneously, and threat actors, both government-sponsored and self-serving, are motivated to craft convincing content at dizzying speed, making it difficult to discern fact from fiction.

Individuals and organizations must proactively adopt responsible information consumption practices, as well as monitor for sensitive data disclosures online. Tools and resources are available that can assist in verifying the legitimacy of content, and digital risk protection services can assist in identifying and mitigating the spread of sensitive information should such disclosures occur.

Key Findings

• The promulgation of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation is transforming the public discourse—exacerbating simmering social, political, and geopolitical issues across all sectors of society.
• Misinformation is false information created and shared without the intent to harm or deceive.
• Disinformation is created and promulgated to be deliberately deceptive.
• Malinformation is the disclosure or manipulation of real data and sensitive information that is leaked to cause economic and reputational damage intentionally.