FUD stands for Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. In cybersecurity, it refers to a tactic where negative emotions are intentionally spread to influence opinions or decisions. This can be used by vendors to promote their products by exaggerating threats or by attackers to manipulate public perception. FUD can distort facts, create panic, or undermine trust in competitors or technologies. Recognizing FUD is important for making informed decisions based on evidence rather than emotion. Critical thinking and fact-checking are key defenses against FUD in the cybersecurity landscape.