Information Hygiene During War: Stay Vigilant and Verify the News

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is a physical manifestation of war, but it’s not the only battlefield. The information space is overflowing with fakes, half-truths, manipulations, and hostile narratives. Fraud and scams are also common. That’s why it is crucial to critically assess and verify any information you receive — especially via social media.

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How to Avoid Being Deceived

To avoid falling into a trap, follow clear rules of information hygiene. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on advice from fact-checking organisations and media experts:

1. Evaluate the Source

   When you see a piece of information, check who published it. If it’s a Ukrainian media outlet, check whether it is included in the “White List” by the Institute of Mass Information — a list updated every six months based on content analysis.

   It’s always better to refer to the original source rather than summaries from small news sites or Telegram channels.

2. Look for the Same News on Other Platforms

   Major news is usually covered by multiple sources. If you can only find it in one place, there’s a high chance it’s fake.

3. Evaluate the Facts and Emotions

   If your first reaction to reading something is anger or frustration, someone may be trying to manipulate you. Strong emotions blur judgment and increase the chance of believing without verifying. If the content mixes opinions with facts, that’s a red flag.

4. Fact-Checking

   Most emotional or loud claims can be verified using official websites, major news outlets, or public databases. If even one fact turns out to be fake, the credibility of the entire message is compromised.

Other Dangers

The State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine regularly warns of phishing emails, malicious links, and other cyberthreats. Fraudulent messages can come from anyone — even people you know. Stay cautious.

If you receive or open a suspicious message or become a victim of online fraud, report it immediately to cert@cert.gov.ua.

Be critical of everything you see online — and don’t ignore basic information security tools!