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Recorded Future’s report on Operation Undercut details a covert influence campaign by Russia’s Social Design Agency (SDA), active since December 2023. The campaign employs AI-generated videos, fake news platforms, and social media to disseminate disinformation. Its objectives include reducing Western support for Ukraine, undermining its leadership, and influencing public perception of significant geopolitical events such as the 2024 U.S. elections.

CrowdStrike’s recent intelligence assessment identifies LIMINAL PANDA as a cyber threat actor aligned with Chinese strategic objectives, particularly in signals intelligence (SIGINT) . The group targets industries and regions linked to China’s interests, employing specialized tools like SIGTRANslator to exploit GSM protocols. While specific indicators, such as Pinyin-based keys and infrastructure patterns, suggest a China nexus, direct attribution remains inconclusive due to overlapping techniques and tools other actors use. This report emphasizes the importance of contextual analysis in understanding attacker behavior, enabling organizations to strengthen defenses against sophisticated cyber threats.

Correctiv, in collaboration with Qurium, has disrupted the infrastructure of Doppelganger , a Russian-linked propaganda operation. Their investigation uncovered the group’s use of advanced cloaking services  to bypass social media controls and spread disinformation via fake news sites mimicking major outlets. Evidence also connects Doppelganger to the Russian Ministry of Defense , suggesting possible state support. This case demonstrates how investigative journalism combined with action can effectively combat disinformation campaigns.

China’s Influence War on the EV Market: As economies digitize, cyber influence operations increasingly target financial systems, supply chains, and intellectual property. Emerging actors like "influence mercenaries" blur state and private aggression, as seen with China's robust response to Western tariffs on its EV market. Using state media, influencers, and bots, China counters criticism and promotes its economic dominance, showcasing the growing role of digital influence in global power dynamics.

Author: Ari Ben Em, Florian Frank Editor: Leiv Schink The recent blog report reveals how Russia, Iran, and China are actively working to influence the 2024 U.S. election. Using tactics like fake videos, anti-election messaging, and targeting local races, each country employs specific strategies to create distrust in the electoral process and deepen divisions within the U.S., aiming to impact public confidence in the nation’s democracy.

Author: Ari Ben Em, Florian Frank Editor: Leiv Schink This report examines UNC5812, a suspected Russian actor conducting hybrid cyber-espionage and influence operations against Ukrainian military recruits. Combining spyware, social engineering, and anti-mobilization propaganda, the campaign leverages platforms like Telegram to disseminate malware and anti-recruitment messaging. Through deceptive tactics and widespread amplification, the operation highlights Russia's strategic efforts to undermine Ukraine's military and societal stability.

The Role of Trust and Familiarity in Navigating Digital News and Misinformation Author:  Osnat Mokryn In the digital age, trust and familiarity are crucial for navigating the vast and often misleading world of online news. As social media becomes the main news source for over 60% of users, misinformation spreads rapidly, eroding trust in institutions and impacting public health and safety. Familiarity, often built through repeated exposure to certain content and creators, helps people feel more secure in evaluating credibility, particularly in digital spaces where traditional trust cues are absent. This article explores how trust and familiarity influence our perception of truth and reliability, shedding light on the psychological impact of repeated exposure. It highlights the importance of these elements as people strive to critically assess the accuracy of information in a misinformation-saturated landscape.

Germany in the Woes of Hostile Influence Author: Ari Ben Am Germany is facing a growing threat from foreign interference, particularly from Russian influence operations. This meddling has exacerbated the rise of extremist political parties, including the far-right AfD and far-left BsW, both of which have gained notable electoral success. These parties are not just gaining support due to economic disparity or lingering GDR sentiments but are also fueled by covert disinformation campaigns. Russian-backed networks like Doppelganger and Chinese influence operations, such as Spamouflage, have leveraged online platforms to manipulate public opinion and deepen societal divisions. Germany's reliance on Russian energy and its geopolitical importance make it a prime target for foreign influence aimed at weakening ties with the West, promoting societal instability, and diminishing support for Ukraine. Beyond just fake online accounts and disinformation websites, these operations involve real-world actors who coordinate with foreign agents to shape policy and disrupt governmental actions, like delaying aid to Ukraine. While Western governments and tech companies are working to combat these inauthentic networks, the fight remains a challenge. With federal elections looming in 2025, the stakes are high for Germany, and the need for a comprehensive, proactive strategy to counteract foreign interference is more pressing than ever.

Author: Annemieke Lais Disinformation has become a pervasive threat to democratic societies, amplified by the rapid spread of information through digital platforms. Education plays a crucial role in combating this phenomenon by equipping individuals with the skills to critically evaluate information and navigate the complex digital landscape. Critical thinking and digital literacy are fundamental tools in the fight against disinformation. Schools and educational institutions are uniquely positioned to foster these skills from an early age. By integrating digital literacy into curricula across all subjects, educators can help students develop the ability to discern credible sources, identify biases, and understand the mechanisms behind the spread of false information. The European Commission has recognized the importance of education in tackling disinformation and has taken concrete steps to address this issue. In 2022, they published guidelines for teachers and educators on tackling disinformation and promoting digital literacy through education and training. The spread of disinformation has significant societal impacts, influencing politics, public health, and social cohesion. The rise of social media and the internet has exacerbated this issue, allowing for rapid and widespread dissemination of false information. The article emphasizes the need for robust educational initiatives to enhance media literacy from early childhood through higher education and into adult and community education...

Introduction Executive Summary In the fourth part of our ongoing series on Chinese Influence in Southeast Asia, our Focus shifts to Malaysia. As with all papers in this series, the aim is to create a foundation upon which more detailed research can be conducted in the form of specific case studies. Numerous factors contribute to Malaysia being a focal point for influence operations. The nation boasts the fifth largest economy in Southeast Asia, representing approximately 12% of the region's GDP. With substantial deposits of tin and oil along with ranking as the 11th largest producer of bauxite and manganese, Malaysia holds significant natural resource wealth. Additionally, it also holds the third largest gas reserve in the Asia-Pacific region, following China and Indonesia. Malaysia's economic landscape is characterized by robust agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Geopolitically, Malaysia occupies a pivotal position at the intersection of the South China Sea and Indian Ocean, making it also strategically significant. The Malacca Strait, a crucial maritime route linking the two regions, traverses along the Malaysian coastline. Moreover, Malaysia faces territorial disputes, particularly with China's claims based on the controversial nine-dash line, which encroaches upon Malaysian territories in the states of....