Learn the truth about Mal-Dis-Mis Information
January 27, 2025 - Defence Stories
In today’s digital landscape, distinguishing truth from fiction is increasingly challenging, as misinformation can spread faster than verified facts. The video below delves into various forms of misleading information — malinformation, disinformation, and misinformation — each with its own intent and impact. This serves as a vital reminder to critically evaluate the news and content we encounter and share daily.
For further insights on security topics, please visit the Security Awareness Toolkit (Accessible only on the National Defence network) available on the Director General Defence Security (DGDS) intranet page.
Video / January 27, 2025
Transcript
Malinformation, Disinformation and Misinformation
Motion graphic Script
Narration:
In our hyperconnected world, fake news spreads like wildfire, influencing opinions often before facts are checked.
Here’s a fictional example that shows how easily information can be distorted willingly or unknowingly:
An employee leaks inflated details about a military exercise to damage the military’s reputation.
This is Malinformation, an exaggerated truth with the intent to harm.
An employee fabricates a story about a non-existent military exercise to mislead and create panic.
This is Disinformation, false and intended to manipulate, cause damage or misguide individuals and organizations.
An employee mistakenly shares outdated details about a past military exercise, confusing the current situation.
This is Misinformation, the information is false, but not intended to cause harm.
All this to say, it is important to be mindful of the information you share and consume.
Infographic – Text version
Often referred to as “Fake News”, mal-dis-misinformation not only has damaging impacts on the global stability, but also on the public trust in institutions. As such, it is essential for Defence Team members and Canadians to be aware of the concerns related to MDM, the technologies used to perpetuate it, and the appropriate security measures to counter it.
What is it?
Malinformation: information stemming from an exaggerated truth that can be misleading and potentially cause harm.
Disinformation: information intended to manipulate, cause damage or misguide individuals and organizations.
Misinformation: information that is false, but not intended to cause harm.
It may be “fake news” if…
- It's designed to provoke an emotional response.
- It makes a bold statement on a controversial issue.
- It contains clickbait or topical information that is within context.
- It uses small pieces of valid, but exaggerated and/or distorted information.
I’ve fact-checked a piece of information, now what?
Users can take the following steps
- Don’t share it
- Question it
- Correct it
- Debunk it
Report it to your Unit ISSO and +Phishing - Hameconnage@CIOG DIM Secur @Ottawa-Hull phishing-hameconnage@forces.gc.ca (on the DWAN) or cloudsecuritymonitoring@jdcp.forces.gc.ca (on D365)
Did you know?
- Valid information: has been factually verified, confirmed with data and is in no way misleading.
- False information: is incorrect and there is data that disproves it.
- Inaccurate information: is incomplete or manipulated to portray a false narrative.
- Unsustainable information: is neither confirmed nor disproved (based on the available data).
- Fake news can directly impact the Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability of information
For more information
- National Defence Security Orders and Directives (NDSODs) Chapter 6: Security of Information [PDF: 854Kb] (Accessible only on the National Defence network), Standard 6: Security of Information Standards and Chapter 17: Security and Social Media [PDF: 518Kb] (Accessible only on the National Defence network)
- Canadian Centre for Cybersecurity (CCCS) How to identify misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (ITSAP.00.300)
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