NPR

A 'Perception Hack': When Public Reaction Exceeds The Actual Hack

This election season has brought a series of computer hacks and disinformation efforts. How do we distinguish between a real threat and a minor distraction?

A Russian group acquired U.S. voter data in at least a couple of states. The Iranians reportedly did the same. President Trump's campaign website was briefly defaced.

As expected, this election season has brought a series of computer breaches and disinformation efforts coming from other countries. So how do we sort out the serious threats from mere cyber mischief?

There's no easy answer, but at least there's a catchphrase: a "perception hack." This

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