Why Cybersecurity Needs Storytellers: How Comms Can Combat Misinformation and Build Trust

Today, cyber threats are about much more than just technology - they’re about people, perceptions, and trust. As our lives move further online, the information we rely on to make decisions is increasingly digital. Social media, in particular, is now the main source of news for more than half of people worldwide (56%, according to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2023). This brings both opportunity and risk: while information is more accessible, it’s also easier than ever for misinformation to spread quickly and widely.

Every day, new headlines remind us how hard it’s become to separate fact from fiction online. The consequences can be serious, both for individuals and organisations. When trust in reliable sources erodes, businesses are left more vulnerable. Not just to technical cyber threats, but to confusion, anxiety, and reputational harm.

That’s where communications comes in. PR and comms professionals have the opportunity to stand on the frontline against myths, educate a wide range of audiences, and help organisations become more resilient all through the power of great storytelling.

Common Myths and Misconceptions: What Are We Up Against?

Whether you’re an employee, a business leader, or a member of the public, it’s easy to fall for some common cybersecurity myths:

• “Cybersecurity is just an IT problem.”

Many people assume cybersecurity is something only the tech team needs to worry about. In reality, every employee plays a part in keeping data safe, whether it’s by using strong passwords, spotting phishing emails, or simply following company guidelines.

• “Only big companies are targeted.”

Small and medium-sized businesses often think they’re not on hackers’ radars, but in fact, they can be even more vulnerable due to limited resources or awareness.

• “AI tools can be fully trusted to identify threats.”

While artificial intelligence is a powerful ally, it’s not infallible. Over-reliance on AI can lead to gaps in detection, especially as attackers use the same technology to outsmart security systems.

Meanwhile, the rise of deepfakes, information distortion, and highly convincing scams means it’s harder than ever to spot what’s real. Busting these myths and raising awareness isn’t just a technical issue - it’s a critical business necessity. When employees and the public are misinformed, the risks multiply.

The Comms Team’s Role: Education, Myth-Busting, and Rapid Response

So, what makes comms teams so valuable in this fight? Quite simply, they’re the bridge between complex technical realities and everyday understanding. Comms teams are skilled at translating technical language into stories and advice that everyone can relate to. They keep an eye on what’s trending, spot emerging misinformation, and are ready to jump in with facts and reassurance when confusion arises.

How Can Comms Make a Difference?

1) Build trust and transparency: 

By being honest with your audience and providing them with regular updates, you can help them feel informed and secure. Also, collaborating with trust sources such as media, industry influencers, and even internal champions to spread reliable information will build trust and help get your message across clearly. Don’t wait for misinformation to spread, anticipate common questions and concerns, and address them head-on to avoid conflicts further down the line.

2) Engaging with influencers and policymakers

Great communication extends beyond press releases and interviews. Building strong relationships with policymakers, industry networks, and trade bodies is essential for influencing public understanding and shaping the bigger picture.

At Clarity, our Cybersecurity Business Network (CBN) gives organisations a platform to promote their expertise, influence government policy, and drive innovation in the sector. Through the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cyber Innovation, we bring together parliamentarians, industry professionals, academia, media, and civil society to discuss and analyse key cybersecurity policies and provide unique  perspectives, and solutions to the parliamentarians.

Engaging with MPs and other policymakers isn’t just about lobbying; it’s about ongoing dialogue. We should be ensuring the right voices are heard and that policies are based on the realities faced by organisations on the ground.

3) Storytelling: Making Cybersecurity Relatable

Cybersecurity can seem daunting, but storytelling transforms it from a technical headache into something human and relatable. Skipping the jargon means everyone so everyone understands the message, regardless of technical expertise. Sharing real-life examples, like how a simple email led to a phishing attack, makes the risks and solutions easy to grasp. Tools like gamified training, interactive myth-busting content, and video explainers break down barriers and invite everyone to be part of the solution.

Storytelling is also powerful for highlighting bigger challenges, such as the cybersecurity skills gap. For example, by introducing awareness campaigns at the school level, we can help the next generation see cybersecurity as an exciting and accessible field. 

4) Crisis Comms: Ready for Anything

Is your organisation monitoring misinformation as it happens? Are your spokespeople ready to communicate clearly and calmly in a crisis? Do you have a rapid-response plan in place? Recent research from Gartner predicts that by 2025, 90% of large organisations will have dedicated crisis comms teams. Being prepared for anything isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s essential for maintaining trust and calm when misinformation spikes.

Now more than ever, comms leaders are educators, myth-busters, and builders of trust. For CMOs and comms leads, this is a chance to move beyond just managing reputation and focus on building real confidence and resilience - inside your organisation and out in the world.

Want to see how Clarity can help your organization build trust and confidence in the digital age? Contact us today.

Image provided by Unsplash, credit to Stephen Harlan