The Centre for Countering Disinformation has debunked a fake claim that a large-scale cyberattack will supposedly take place on 17 November and that hackers will allegedly “wipe” bank accounts, after which the internet will be switched off worldwide for three months.
The authors of the posts urge people to stock up on food, water and cash.
The CCD stresses that this information has no supporting evidence. The authors of the original source posts cite rumours and unverified data, and as “proof” of the alleged forthcoming cyberattack they point to genuine recommendations from the governments of various countries about keeping supplies in case of emergencies.
“In fact, these recommendations are not connected to 17 November and do not contain warnings about a cyberattack,” the Centre added.
The rumour has also been linked to a system alert test scheduled in the United States for 17 November.
This concerns only a test message on radio and television. No internet shutdown or restrictions on access to bank accounts are planned.
