Cyabra analyzed conversations on X between May and June 2025, and revealed an Iranian bot network targeting social discourse around Scottish independence.
26% of the profiles analyzed were fake, responsible for over 3,000 posts amplifying hashtags like #ScottishIndependence, #BrexitBetrayal, and #BBCLies - blending pro-separatist messaging with anti-British and pro-Iranian narratives to simulate grassroots sentiment.
Following Iran’s nationwide blackout on June 13, the fake accounts went silent for 16 days, then reactivated with a coordinated shift toward anti-Israel and pro-Iranian content - ultimately generating over 126,000 engagements and reaching 224 million potential views.
This guide, created by Cyabra and VaynerX, reveals how counterfeit culture is quietly influencing audience perception and distorting the insights marketers rely on most. Using real-world examples and Cyabra’s data-backed ABC Model, it provides a step-by-step framework to detect inauthentic behavior, measure genuine engagement, and make brand decisions based on truth, not noise.
This guide gives communications professionals a clear framework for spotting early warning signs, assessing risks, and applying strategies that keep your brand in control of the narrative. Get practical, actionable insights designed to strengthen your defenses and safeguard trust in an environment where misinformation never sleeps.
Deepfakes are no longer a fringe issue. From viral CEO impersonations to multimillion-dollar scams, the risks are real and rising. When one of these fabricated videos targets your brand, every second counts. This guide provides a structured 5-step response framework. You’ll learn how to detect threats early, contain them effectively, and communicate with confidence while building long-term safeguards for your reputation.
