Structured data is machine-readable information embedded in a page so software can understand what the content describes. It usually labels things like an organization name, product, address, author, or relationship between entities. Instead of relying only on plain text, search engines and AI systems can parse these signals directly and use them to interpret identity and context.
In cyber security, structured data matters because automated systems use it to decide whether a site is genuine, relevant, or connected to a known brand. Clear, consistent markup can help defenders reduce confusion, improve discovery of official pages, and support entity verification. Attackers may try to exploit this layer by publishing misleading metadata, impersonating brands, or creating inconsistent signals that confuse search and AI systems. Good security hygiene means keeping structured data accurate, aligned with visible content, and monitored for tampering.