A false flag in cybersecurity refers to a deceptive tactic where attackers intentionally plant misleading evidence or digital traces to disguise their true identity, origin, or intent. By making it appear as though another individual, group, or nation is responsible for the attack, the real perpetrators aim to mislead investigators, divert blame, or provoke conflict. False flag operations can complicate attribution efforts and are often used in cyber espionage, sabotage, or disinformation campaigns to manipulate perceptions and outcomes.