Fake news is dangerous and continues to spread around the world. Disinformation is a threat not just to democracy, but bogus websites can also pose a malware threat to your devices.
Here, SMY IT Services Managing Director Jonathan Smy shares his top tips on how to spot fake news articles and stay safe online.
A staggering 45% of UK adults report coming across a fake news item daily, with the epidemic showing no signs of stopping despite efforts to crack down.
Many of the ways to detect fake news link to phishing – with fraudsters using similar tricks to deceive readers. They also tend to make the same mistakes.
Fake news writers often post their bogus works on websites cleverly designed to look like well-established, trusted news outlets. It is therefore incredibly important to stop and check where an article is coming from.
Just like with phishing, fraudsters regularly create similar website URLs to legitimate websites. The difference often is only the odd letter being out of place or a different domain.
Hovering over links to reveal their destination is a great way to identify fake news articles before opening them. Simply move your mouse cursor over the link and it will appear, or copy and paste the link into your search bar, without pressing enter.
Most news websites refrain from using constant capital letters in their copy. Tabloid headlines can be wild, however fake news articles often take this to another level.
News pieces should (mostly) be free of opinion and at the very least be balanced, giving the other side of the argument a chance to have their voice heard.
Hard-leaning articles in either political direction, or that are purely designed to shock, are more often than not full of falsehoods, overlooked statistics or shoddy journalism.
Bogus news articles often use Photoshopped or stolen images that are designed to shock readers and draw them in.
Taking the time to stop and look for any imperfections can help identify a fake – particularly when faces are involved.
Tools such as Google Lens and TinEye can also help reveal a fake.
There are a range of websites offering free fact checking services and its team are often quick to identify disinformation.
Websites such as FactCheck and Snopes are great places to visit alongside the Washington Post Fact Checker and PolitiFact for the more serious stories.
You can also check other news websites to see if they’ve covered the story. If larger outlets aren’t picking it up, chances are it is because it’s fake.
Many fraudsters will use freakish headlines to lure readers in and infect their devices with malware.
Many will use so-called “watering hole” attacks that attract readers to follow further links before infecting their computers or mobile devices with Trojan horse viruses.
Using a good anti-virus software and security extensions on your browser can help identify malicious websites and stop you from clicking on a link that could cause disaster.
If someone at your business has fallen victim to a fake news article and compromised your organisation’s security, we are here to help.
Our team has more than 30 years’ experience in cybersecurity and know how to keep your business safe.
Visit our services page to learn more, or call our friendly team on 01473 557203.