The Cyber Cowgirl™ Blog
Welcome to The Cyber Cowgirl™ Blog - Hannah’s archived collection of early morning thoughts related to cyber, defense, entrepreneurship, and professional development.
Join Hannah on this journey of discovery and discussion as we navigate the Digital Wild West together!
Mis/Disinformation: The Skew of Information and Its Impacts on You
In their latest Signal article, Mis/Disinformation: The Skew of Information and Its Impacts on You, Hannah Becker and Maj. Trisha E. Wyman, USA (Ret.), explore the far-reaching consequences of false information in today’s hyperconnected world. They examine how mis/disinformation extends beyond politics, influencing individual decision-making, organizational security, and even national stability. Drawing on historical and modern examples—from Benjamin Franklin’s wartime tactics to AI-generated deepfake scams—they highlight the evolving nature of information warfare. Becker and Wyman emphasize how emotional manipulation and cognitive biases make people susceptible to false narratives, often without realizing it. To counter this growing cyber threat, they advocate for digital literacy, critical thinking, and verifying sources before accepting information as truth. Their insights serve as a timely reminder that safeguarding the integrity of information requires vigilance and deliberate decision-making.
Awaken the Cyberwarrior in You
Cyberwarfare isn’t just about hacking infrastructure—it’s a battle for our minds. Misinformation and disinformation are powerful weapons used to manipulate perceptions, sow division, and destabilize societies. These digital attacks exploit cognitive biases, fears, and emotions, making truth harder to discern. To defend against this, we must awaken our inner cyberwarrior by building digital literacy, strengthening critical thinking, and cultivating cognitive resilience. In today’s information battlefield, awareness and vigilance are our best defenses.
AFCEA Resources for Navigating Misinformation and Disinformation
Navigating the Information Age is no small feat, especially with the ever-growing volume of data and the challenges posed by foreign influence and mis/disinformation. We’re grateful to AFCEA International for spotlighting our research and work in tackling these complex issues! From the insightful "Disruptive By Design" podcast series to the "Digital Chatter" white paper and webinar, AFCEA's Resource Hub offers valuable tools for staying informed and resilient in today’s interconnected world. Explore these free resources and take your digital literacy to the next level!
“Disinformation—The Influence of Foreign Actors” Podcast
SIGNAL Media's Disruptive by Design Podcast: Disinformation—The Influence of Foreign Actors - Part 2 of 3 sessions. In this episode, we examine the distinction between misinformation and disinformation, focusing on how intent shapes the impact of false information. The discussion highlights how foreign nation-states exploit digital pathways to spread disinformation, influencing democratic societies and threatening national security. Tune in as experts Hannah Becker, Welton Chang, and host Kimberly Underwood provide insights into how these tactics work, why they are effective, and what individuals and organizations can do to better navigate and counter these threats.
Top 5 Cyberwarfare Threats for 2025
Cyberwarfare is the new frontier of conflict, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. As we move into 2025, it’s clear that the lines between defense and offense are blurring. To protect our future, we must adapt—not just to the threats we face but to the opportunities we have to innovate and lead. The lessons of the past wars remind us that preparation and expertise are everything. Let’s make sure we’re ready—not just to defend the ball, but to take the shot when it matters most.
“Going Beyond Fake News: Disinformation & Misinformation” Podcast
SIGNAL Media's Disruptive by Design Podcast: Going Beyond Fake News: Disinformation & Misinformation - Part 1 of 3 sessions. In this episode, we learn more about the rapidly evolving cyber threats related to misinformation and disinformation, and how artificial intelligence, deep fake technology and machine learning have the potential to greatly expand the capabilities and reach of the phenomenon. Tune in as experts suggest how best to counter and not fall victim to these emerging threats.
What Everyone Needs to Know About Cyberwarfare
Unfortunately, large-scale cyberwarfare is a likely reality of our connected future. It’s a downside to having the convenience of instant information and communication via the Internet. This is our soft underbelly - hyperconnectivity that’s permeated all aspects of our organizations, society, and lives. I wish the threats and realities of cyberwarfare were as far-fetched as my grandma’s paranoia regarding alien abduction; however, the connectivity we’ve all become accustomed to is enabling the evolution of a whole new battlefield - cyber.
Dividing a United Nation Through Weaponized Information
My Grandmama’s kitchen table was big - she kept three leaves in it year-round so it could seat over 20 people at a moment's notice. “Feeding folks” as she called it, was one of her deepest sources of joy. She was the human embodiment of the Crowded Table song by The Highwomen. From the time I stumbled out of my bedroom at 5 AM, to when I finally turned in for the night at 11 PM, there seemed to always be someone sitting and visiting at that mahogany masterpiece. She cooked “big” - always three to four times what was necessary for a meal - so there was always cold fried chicken, a cast iron skillet of biscuits, and an extra chocolate meringue pie or two ready to distribute to the neighbors, relatives, and random new friend she’d made when they plopped down at the table.
“'Digital Chatter' — The Growing Challenge of Mis/Disinformation” Webinar
In today's hyperconnected world, the evolving cyber threat posed by mis/disinformation is more urgent than ever. Join Hannah Becker and a panel of cyber experts for the "Digital Chatter" webinar, where they’ll delve into the growing challenge of misinformation amplified by technologies like AI and deep fakes. These tools are enabling enemy states and malicious actors to launch cognitive attacks that threaten community, organizational, and national security. In this session, experts from diverse sectors will discuss the latest strategies and solutions to combat this emerging "cyber-meets-cognitive" threat and protect against its damaging impact.