Mapping the hostile influence operations shaping the digital sphere
The Cyfluence Research Center studies how state and non-state actors use disinformation, fake networks, and cyber-enabled operations to manipulate public opinion, and what it takes to counter them.
Who We Are
Independent Research for a Resilient Information Space
The Cyfluence Research Center (CRC) is an independent, non-profit organization committed to studying digital hostile influence in all its forms. In today's hyper-connected world, disinformation, narrative attacks, hostile influence campaigns, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), cyber-attacks for influence, and the like have infiltrated nearly every aspect of life, posing serious risks to societies, political systems, and businesses alike.
At CRC, our ongoing research provides deep insights into the methodologies and technologies behind both offensive and defensive influence strategies. We believe that a rigorous, scientific approach is essential to equipping decision-makers and policymakers with the knowledge needed to develop effective countermeasures. Our goal is to foster knowledge competence that supports informed, resilient, and strategic decision-making processes.
The Cyfluence Research Center (CRC) is an independent, non-profit organization committed to studying digital hostile influence in all its forms.
In today's hyper-connected world, disinformation, narrative attacks, hostile influence campaigns, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), cyber-attacks for influence, and the like have infiltrated nearly every aspect of life, posing serious risks to societies, political systems, and businesses alike.
At CRC, our ongoing research provides deep insights into the methodologies and technologies behind both offensive and defensive influence strategies. We believe that a rigorous, scientific approach is essential to equipping decision-makers and policymakers with the knowledge needed to develop effective countermeasures. Our goal is to foster knowledge competence
that supports informed, resilient, and strategic decision-making processes.
At a Glance
2024
Founded, Berlin
3
Core research programs
Non-profit
Independent status
What We Do
Three Ways We Work Against Hostile Influence
01
Research and Analysis
We conduct in-depth research on the strategies, tactics, and methodologies used in digital influence campaigns. Our work covers both historical case studies and emerging trends in the field.
02
Publications and Reports
We produce detailed reports, whitepapers,
and articles to disseminate our findings to policymakers, academics, and the general public. We aim to foster a deeper understanding of the threats posed by digital hostile influence campaigns.
03
Workshops and Training
We offer workshops and training sessions to educate stakeholders on how to identify and counteract hostile influence operations. These sessions are designed for government officials, corporate leaders, journalists, and civil society organizations.
The Cyfluence Research Center (CRC) is an independent, non-profit organization committed to studying digital hostile influence in all its forms. In today's hyper-connected world, disinformation, narrative attacks, hostile influence campaigns, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), cyber-attacks for influence, and the like have infiltrated nearly every aspect of life, posing serious risks to societies, political systems, and businesses alike.
At CRC, our ongoing research provides deep insights into the methodologies and technologies behind both offensive and defensive influence strategies. We believe that a rigorous, scientific approach is essential to equipping decision-makers and policymakers with the knowledge needed to develop effective countermeasures. Our goal is to foster knowledge competence that supports informed, resilient, and strategic decision-making processes.
Our Mission
Knowledge Against Influence Operations
The Cyfluence Research Center (CRC) is an independent, non-profit organization committed to studying digital hostile influence in all its forms. In today's hyper-connected world, disinformation, narrative attacks, hostile influence campaigns, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), cyber-attacks for influence, and the like have infiltrated nearly every aspect of life, posing serious risks to societies, political systems, and businesses alike.
At CRC, our ongoing research provides deep insights into the methodologies and technologies behind both offensive and defensive influence strategies. We believe that a rigorous, scientific approach is essential to equipping decision-makers and policymakers with the knowledge needed to develop effective countermeasures. Our goal is to foster knowledge competence that supports informed, resilient, and strategic decision-making processes.
Our mission is to advance knowledge and awareness of digital hostile influence campaigns, providing comprehensive research and insights to help protect democracies and promote informed public discourse.
We empower decision-makers in both public and private spheres to make well-informed choices by looking at the world through the lens of influence.
Advance knowledge & awareness of hostile influence campaigns
Providing comprehensive research & insights
Help protect democratic institutions
Promote informed public discourse
Latest Research
In-depth Reports
Aug 5
The Weaponization of Nostalgia: Conceptual Framework and Case Studies
Alina Bârgăoanu & Maya Sobchuk
This report by Alina Bârgăoanu and Maya Sobchuk examines "weaponized nostalgia" — an ambient, non-political emotional vector used in influence operations, documented through case studies in Romania and Okinawa.
23 July 2026
Coloring the Protest: PRC-Aligned Narratives and Indonesia’s June 2026 Protest Wave
Cyfluence Research Center
Pro-PRC influencer accounts reframed Indonesia's June 2026 protests as a US-backed 'color revolution,' using coordinated, bot-aided amplification — part of a recurring playbook targeting Indonesia.
2 July 2026
Digital Influence Vectors in Malaysia
Cyfluence Research Center
Commissioned by FNF Malaysia, this CRC report examines how Chinese and Russian influence shapes Malaysia's information environment, drawing on national surveys and narrative intelligence analysis.
The Cyfluence Research Center (CRC) is an independent, non-profit organization committed to studying digital hostile influence in all its forms. In today's hyper-connected world, disinformation, narrative attacks, hostile influence campaigns, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), cyber-attacks for influence, and the like have infiltrated nearly every aspect of life, posing serious risks to societies, political systems, and businesses alike.
At CRC, our ongoing research provides deep insights into the methodologies and technologies behind both offensive and defensive influence strategies. We believe that a rigorous, scientific approach is essential to equipping decision-makers and policymakers with the knowledge needed to develop effective countermeasures. Our goal is to foster knowledge competence that supports informed, resilient, and strategic decision-making processes.
Latest Blog
Field Notes & Case Studies
29 June 2026
How Dating Apps Became Vectors for Cyber Attacks and Influence Operations
Alina Bârgăoanu & Maya Sobchuk
15 July 2026
Iran War Post-MoU: From Cyfluence Operations to STRATCOM Efforts
Alina Bârgăoanu & Maya Sobchuk
29 July 2026
Counter-FIMI as FIMI: Russian Narrative Manipulation and Reputational Hijacking
Alina Bârgăoanu & Maya Sobchuk
31 July 2026
Ceuta and Melilla: Russian-Aligned Narrative Exploitation of the Border Crisis
Alina Bârgăoanu & Maya Sobchuk
From The Blog
Analysis & commentary
26 August 2026
The Rise of Disconnective Propaganda: Protecting Social Resilience as a Pillar of European Security
12 August 2026
Spearheading Cybersecurity and Influence Defense in the Pacific: A CERT Tonga Perspective
10 June 2026
The Missing Variable: Immigrant Identity and Integration Trauma in Espionage Recruitment and Influence Operations
20 May 2026
Turning Loneliness into Coordinated Campaigns: How AI Parasociality Scales Influence Operations
Weekly Review
Weekly Influence Briefings
27 August 2026
Cyber based influence campaigns 17th - 23rd August 2026 Report
20 August 2026
Cyber based influence campaigns 10th – 16th August 2026 Report
13 August 2026
Cyber based influence campaigns 3rd – 9th August 2026 Report
6 August 2026
Cyber based influence campaigns 27th July – 2nd August 2026 Report
Events
Upcoming & Past Events
10 August 2026
Tonga Influence Defense Training
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
17 August 2026
Asia-Pacific Influence Defense Training Series
On-site
24 August 2026
Smart City & Cyfluence by Nur Mawaddah l How Is a Smart City Structured? A Cyfluence Perspective
Online
18 September 2026
German Intelligence Community Conference
Hamburg, Germany
Get in Touch
Talk to our research team
Have a question about hostile influence operations, need data for your reporting, or want to explore a partnership? Reach out — our analysts are ready to talk.
CRC — CYFLUENCE RESEARCH CENTER
Independent, non-profit research on digital hostile influence.
The Cyfluence Research Center (CRC) is an independent, non-profit organization committed to studying digital hostile influence in all its forms. In today's hyper-connected world, disinformation, narrative attacks, hostile influence campaigns, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), cyber-attacks for influence, and the like have infiltrated nearly every aspect of life, posing serious risks to societies, political systems, and businesses alike.
At CRC, our ongoing research provides deep insights into the methodologies and technologies behind both offensive and defensive influence strategies. We believe that a rigorous, scientific approach is essential to equipping decision-makers and policymakers with the knowledge needed to develop effective countermeasures. Our goal is to foster knowledge competence that supports informed, resilient, and strategic decision-making processes.
