Social media are actively spreading reports about a supposedly upcoming 'large-scale cyberattack' which, according to their authors, is set to take place on November 17. These posts claim that hackers are 'wiping out bank accounts' and that the internet will completely disappear worldwide for three months afterwards. The Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD), whose report was cited by RBC-Ukraine, emphasizes that such forecasts have no confirmation whatsoever, and these reports should not be shared as reliable.

What Exactly Do the Authors of the Posts Claim

Authors of viral posts urge people to stock up on food, water, and cash in advance, preparing for an 'imminent catastrophe.' As evidence, they cite recommendations from various governments on emergency preparedness—instructions that typically apply to earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural threats. However, as the CCD notes, these recommendations have nothing to do with November 17 and contain no warnings about a cyberattack; they were simply repurposed to give unverified claims an appearance of credibility.

Why the Forecasts Lack Confirmation

None of the arguments provided in the posts confirm the preparation of a cyberattack, its date, or its stated consequences. Claims about 'wiping out accounts' and a three-month global internet blackout are not supported by data from any government agency, telecom operator, or financial institution. The CCD explicitly states that information about a global cyberattack, the wiping of accounts, and a prolonged internet outage has no confirmation, and recommends not spreading such reports as reliable.

What Is Actually Happening on November 17

The only real reason for the rumors is a scheduled emergency alert test in the United States on November 17. It involves sending a test message via radio and television—a standard procedure carried out to check the operability of emergency alert channels. Crucially, such a test does not involve shutting down the internet and does not restrict access to bank accounts. Thus, the coincidence of the testing date with viral posts is likely what sparked the spread of the fake.

Context: Cyberattacks and Trust in Alert Systems

The spread of such rumors is taking place against the backdrop of real cyber threats. Recently, as reported, a Russian cyberattack on the Ukrainian 'Air Raid Alert' app led to false reports of nuclear and chemical danger; according to experts, its goal was to undermine public trust in the alert system. That is why experts and the CCD urge people not to fuel panic by forwarding unconfirmed reports and to rely solely on official sources.

How to Act

The CCD's recommendations are simple: do not forward reports about the 'global cyberattack on November 17' as reliable, check dates and wording through official channels, and do not make emergency decisions (stocking up on cash, panicking) based on viral posts. The real event on November 17—a test alert in the U.S. via radio and television—does not affect the internet or banking services, meaning there is no reason to panic.