The Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) is a first of its kind organization with technical and policy expertise on disinformation, connective technologies, democracy, and the future of digital rights. Incubated at the Atlantic Council in 2016, the DFRLab has conducted over 1,000 investigations exposing influence operations and emerging digital threats worldwide.

With a team rooted in diverse regional expertise and subject-matter knowledge, the DFRLab works to promote digital resilience, defend democratic institutions, and ensure that objective fact remains central to public discourse in an increasingly contested information space.

Read the DFRLab’s latest case studies, learn about our initiatives, and more at DFRLab.org

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The Democracy + Tech Initiative creates policy practices that align global stakeholders toward tech and governance that reinforces, rather than undermines, open societies. It builds on the DFRLab’s established track record and leadership in the open-source field, empowering global communities to promote transparency and accountability online and around the world.

The Atlantic Council Technology Programs comprises five existing efforts—the Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), the GeoTech Center, the Cyber Statecraft Initiative, the Democracy + Tech Initiative, and the Capacity Building Initiative. These operations work together to address the geopolitical implications of technology and provide policymakers and global stakeholders necessary research, insights, and convenings to address challenges around global technology and ensure its responsible advancement.

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From the archives

Experts

Content

CHINESE DISCOURSE POWER: ASPIRATIONS, REALITY, AND AMBITIONS IN THE DIGITAL DOMAIN

In-Depth Research & Reports

Aug 24, 2022

Chinese discourse power: Ambitions and reality in the digital domain

By Kenton Thibaut

The CCP has embarked on a concerted strategy to gain control over the global digital and information environment. Its goal: create an alternative global order with China at its heart.

China
Digital Policy
A Russian soldier stands guard near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, August 4, 2022. (Source: REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko/File Photo)

New Atlanticist

Aug 19, 2022

Russian War Report: Russia and Ukraine warn Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant facing imminent threat

By Eto Buziashvili, Ruslan Trad, Nika Aleksejeva, Givi Gigitashvili

The Russian occupation of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant continues to provoke fear among the international community in light of renewed shelling around the plant.

Disinformation
Internet

The 5×5

Aug 15, 2022

The 5×5—The US-Japan-South Korea trilateral cybersecurity relationship

By Simon Handler

Five experts share their insights on the future of US-Japan-South Korea trilateral cybersecurity cooperation.

Cybersecurity
East Asia
Smoke rises after explosions were heard from the direction of a Russian military airbase near Novofedorivka, Crimea, August 9, 2022. (Source: Reuters)

New Atlanticist

Aug 12, 2022

Russian War Report: Satellite imagery confirms destruction of aircraft at Crimea airbase

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Satellite imagery confirms the destruction of Crimea's Saki airbase and debunking "Ukraine sells weapons" narratives.

Conflict
Disinformation

Issue Brief

Aug 2, 2022

Behind the rise of ransomware

By John Sakellariadis

Between 2016 and 2019, cybercriminals shifted from automated ransomware campaigns that emphasized scale to targeted extortion operations against organizations. This adaption made ransomware more disruptive and more profitable, culminating in the 2021 surge in ransomware. Though the US government has devoted more attention to ransomware since 2021, ransomware remains a significant and long-term threat to the US economy.

Cybersecurity
Two men look at the Antonovsky bridge in Kherson, Ukraine, July 27, 2022. It has been damaged by Ukrainian attacks but not destroyed. (Source: REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko)

New Atlanticist

Jul 29, 2022

Russian War Report: Russia minimizes Ukrainian damage of strategic bridge in Kherson

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Russian downplays damage done by Ukrainian forces to a strategic bridge in Kherson while planning to annex occupied parts of Ukraine.

Civil Society
Disinformation

Conflict, Risk, and Tech

Jul 25, 2022

Hackers, Hoodies, and Helmets: Technology and the changing face of Russian private military contractors

By Emma Schroeder, Gavin Wilde, Justin Sherman, and Trey Herr

This issue brief explores the technological capabilities of Russian private military companies and how they are used across various types of missions in support of and in parallel with Russian policy.

Africa
Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

Jul 22, 2022

Russian War Report: Russia accuses Ukraine of creating ‘monster’ troops in biolabs

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Plus, a right-wing Polish political party presented a legislative proposal to stop the "Ukrainization" of Poland.

Conflict
Disinformation

In the News

Jul 16, 2022

Gering and Thibaut on the China in Africa Podcast

On July 16, 2022, Global China Hub fellow Tuvia Gering and Digital Forensic Research Lab resident China fellow Kenton Thibaut appeared on the China in Africa Podcast to discuss China’s discourse power in Africa and the Global South. More about our experts

Africa
China
A view of a damaged building and a car at the site of a Russian military strike in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, July 14, 2022. (Source: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko)

New Atlanticist

Jul 15, 2022

Russian War Report: Russian missiles strike Vinnytsia

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Russian forces launched a missile attack on the Ukrainian town on Vinnytsia, Russia's public death toll grows, and Iran's coverage of the war.

Conflict
Disinformation