Combating Visual Identity Impersonation through the Activation of Information Security Systems in Economic Institutions in the Electronics Industry

Abstract

The electronic device manufacturing sector is witnessing a marked increase in the phenomenon of visual identity impersonation of economic institutions, through the imitation of logos and trademarks, and the simulation and counterfeiting of the visual appearance of original products, thereby threatening consumer trust, affecting brand reputation and credibility, and increasing institutions' need to deploy effective information security systems to detect manifestations of impersonation, imitation, and counterfeiting and to limit their effects.

The study relied on the descriptive-analytical method and the multiple case study method, using a purposive sample composed of 24 global companies operating in the electronic device manufacturing sector, which were shown to actually rely on information security mechanisms or systems and technical and digital measures to confront manifestations of visual identity impersonation and the imitation of their products and trademarks. Data collection was based on official documents, institutional reports, and the official websites of the companies under study, with the aim of analyzing the nature of the threats, the detection and protection mechanisms adopted, and the level of deployment of information security techniques in confronting this phenomenon.

The results showed that imitation, counterfeiting, and the impersonation of visual identity elements represent a growing challenge for the majority of globally renowned institutions, which has driven them to adopt varied mechanisms to confront it, including security technologies embedded in the structure of products or their packaging, digital solutions for verifying product authenticity, identification and tracking systems, mechanisms for monitoring and detecting illegitimate products or channels, in addition to digital and legal measures to protect trademarks. The results also revealed a clear disparity in the level of activation of these mechanisms, depending on the nature of the institution's activity, the type of its products, and the level of exposure of its visual identity and products to imitation and counterfeiting.