The Triad of Disruption: Defeating Democracies Online (A Framework for Digital Information Warfare)

Dr. Jim Curtis, Associate Professor and Chair, Computer & Information Sciences Department, will lead our first Curious Conversations session of the Fall 2024 semester. All are invited!

It's easy to fool people when they're already fooling themselves…People, they need to believe. And nowadays– they'll believe anything.” (Mysterio, from the movie Spider-Man Far From Home).  Few statements are truer in today’s online world of disinformation, propaganda, and fake news.  As we get closer to the 2024 national elections, the attacks are accelerating in both reach and effectiveness with China, Iran, Russia, and other enemies of democracy using social engineering across social media platforms to sow chaos, confusion, and anger, all toward their goal of weakening American democracy. There are three key components to the Triad of Disruption framework (Information Manipulation, Message Delivery, Pretext Planning) that nation-states and terrorist networks operationalize using various social engineering techniques such as deep/cheap fakes. This framework identifies why the triad strategy has become the most powerful weapon leveraged by the enemies of democracy using social media platforms to disseminate the lethal combination of propaganda/disinformation/fake news, and then manipulate the targets through various types of digital social engineering campaigns.

About Curious Conversations:

Step into the realm of Webster's 'Curious Conversations' series – a monthly rendezvous where the dynamism of current events, the prowess of faculty expertise, and the depths of scholarly inquiry converge for a delightful mix! Our mission? To craft an environment where minds meld and connections flourish, all in an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. Each session springs to life by fusing a current event, whether weighty or whimsical, with the scholarly mastery of a Webster University faculty member. Expect engaging discussions with fellow participants and be sure to make time for the pre- and post-event conversation and connection. Brought to you by ORSP and open to all members of our community, this series invites you to 'BYO' snacks and refreshments, encouraging the sharing of treats and ideas alike. Join us and experience the fusion of fun and knowledge – because at 'Curious Conversations,' learning is a social affair.​