Cybersecurity Expert Warns Rumours Can Become International Crises Within Hours

Rumours can escalate into international crises within hours, international cybersecurity expert Dr Mohamed El-Gendy has warned.

El-Gendy said disinformation campaigns may begin with a news item published on an unknown website, pointing to the potential consequences of material originating from obscure sources.

His warning highlights the gap between a story’s modest beginnings and the scale of the crisis it may trigger. An unfamiliar website can be the starting point for a campaign with repercussions far beyond its original audience.

The speed of that escalation is central to the concern he raised: what starts as an online rumour may become an international issue in a matter of hours.