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, security bodies, and media outlets.
00:18The SBU says it has already identified and blocked more than 50 websites that copied its own branding and appearance.
00:25It also spotted fake profiles and channels on platforms such as X and Telegram.
00:29That present themselves as official or authoritative Ukrainian sources.
00:33For example, in September, Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation reported a network using the same name and photograph
00:40of acting SBU chief Oleksandr Pokhlad to publish supposed exclusive information about the security service.
00:47The fake social media accounts may use the names and photographs of Ukrainian officials,
00:52while fake websites can present themselves as official government or security service resources.
00:57To spot the imposters, users have to check things like the web address, the account handle,
01:02or 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 and social instability.
01:12By posing as official Ukrainian accounts or profiles, the claims become more credible and it's easier to trick users.
01:19Many of these sites also seek to collect personal data.
01:22Fake official pages can encourage users to follow accounts, click links, communicate with supposed officials, or provide information.
01:29This information stolen from users can later be used to identify or approach possible recruits
01:34and obtain confidential information.
01:36The SBU says Russian intelligence is particularly interested in information about the location, operations,
01:42and activities of Ukraine's defense and security forces.
01:45This information is not required.
