CheckFirst takes part in the Cyber for Good programme to equip French journalists against cyber threats

Ahead of the 2027 French presidential election, CheckFirst joins for the second time the Cyber for Good programme for media outlets developed by Advens for People and Planet. This initiative is designed to bolster the defenses of journalists against cyberattacks and FIMI.

France is one of the prime targets of foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). The 4th EEAS Threat Report, published in March 2026, ranks it as the second most targeted country in 2025, just behind Ukraine. Election periods are particularly exposed, as VIGINUM’s work on the 2026 municipal elections illustrates.

FIMI campaigns targets a wide range of actors, from government bodies and the defence sector to businesses and media outlets. Because of their visibility and their role in bringing sensitive information to light, journalists are increasingly in the crosshairs of both cyberattacks and information manipulation operations. Freelancers are especially exposed, as they often lack the support of a newsroom.

This is the reason behind the creation of the the Cyber for Good programme. Founded by Advens for People and Planet and VIGINUM, in partnership with coop.medias, CheckFirst, Les Surligneurs and Open Facto, this free programme helps journalists protect themselves against cyber threats and respond effectively when they come across a disinformation campaign. This year’s cohort brings together 20 journalists who will learn sound data-protection practices, OSINT verification techniques and the fundamentals of how Information Manipulation Sets work.

Using OSINT to counter information manipulation

On 3 November, using our Tutki platform, we will walk journalists through a fictional information manipulation campaign spread across simulated social media platforms. During our session, participants will learn to recognise and analyse inauthentic content. Our main objective is to equip them with the tools to handle real-life disinformation campaigns with a clear mind. Not only will they be better prepared to react quickly and accordingly, but they will also be able to explain to their audience the inner workings of fake content they encounter online.

With information manipulation now a systemic risk, particularly in the run-up to elections, we are proud to play our part in strengthening the information ecosystem. Our thanks go once again to the Cyber for Good team for their trust. We look forward to meeting this year’s participants.

Tutki is also available as a standalone platform for trainers in nine languages. Are you a journalist or trainer looking to sharpen your skills against disinformation? Get in touch at info@checkfirst.network.

(Photo credits: Towfiqu barbhuiya/Unsplash)