22-25 April 2026

When data lies - typical patterns for manipulating data

Proposed session for SQLBits 2026

TL; DR

In this, part humorous, part eye-opening session, you will learn to detect malicious patterns in data that suggest foul play. We put ourselves in the shoes of a data villain and explore ways to make our data lie to the best of our ability.

Session Details

Data should be impactful, and to be that, it needs to influence decisions or result in changes. But how much harm could such impact cause if said data is erroneous or straight-up manipulated?

How can data be manipulated? That is precisely what we will explore in this white-hat-inspired session. We will put ourselves in the shoes of a data villain and explore ways to misrepresent reality and make our data lie to the best of our ability.

In this, part humorous, part delicate session, you will learn to detect malicious patterns in data that could suggest foul play.

Topics:
- Data Stories
- Data Manipulation
- Data & Analysis integrity

3 things you'll get out of this session

- Learn common ways data can be manipulated to misrepresent reality - Recognize malicious patterns and warning signs in data and analysis - Strengthen your ability to assess and protect data integrity