00:03Welcome to The Cube Euronews' fact-checking show.
00:06Ukraine's security service says that Russian intelligence is increasingly creating fake websites,
00:11social media pages and messenger channels that imitate Ukrainian government agencies,
00:16security bodies and media outlets. The SBU says it has already identified and
00:20blocked more than 50 websites that copied its own branding and appearance.
00:24It also spotted fake profiles and channels on platforms such as X and Telegram that
00:30present themselves as official or authoritative Ukrainian sources. For example, in September,
00:35Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation reported a network using the same name and
00:40photograph of acting SBU chief Oleksandr Pokhlad to publish supposed exclusive information about
00:46the security service. The fake social media accounts may use the names and photographs of
00:51Ukrainian officials, while fake websites can present themselves as official government or
00:55security service resources. To spot the imposters, users have to check things like the web address,
01:01the account handle or whether the page appears among the institution's verified official channels.
01:06According to the SBU, these websites aim to spread false information to create political
01:11and social instability. By posing as official Ukrainian accounts or profiles, the claims become more
01:16credible and it's easier to trick users. Many of these sites also seek to collect personal data.
01:22Fake official pages can encourage users to follow accounts, click links, communicate with supposed
01:27officials or provide information. This information stolen from users can later be used to identify or
01:33approach possible recruits and obtain confidential information. The SBU says Russian intelligence is
01:38particularly interested in information about the location, operations and activities of Ukraine's defense
01:44and security forces.
