Tuesday 08 April 2025
As we navigate the complex digital landscape, it’s becoming increasingly clear that influence operations have become a pervasive threat to our online security and social cohesion. These insidious tactics involve manipulating public opinion, sowing discord, and undermining trust in institutions – all while remaining largely invisible to the human eye.
To combat this menace, researchers have developed an innovative framework for understanding and identifying these operations. The Influence Operation Ontology (IOO) is a comprehensive model that maps the intricate web of actors, channels, and narratives involved in these covert campaigns.
At its core, IOO is designed to capture the multifaceted nature of influence operations. It recognizes that these attacks don’t just involve malicious hackers or state-sponsored actors; they also involve unwitting participants, from social media influencers to ordinary citizens who unwittingly spread misinformation.
The ontology breaks down into three key domains: threat, channel, and social. The threat domain focuses on the malicious actors themselves – their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for manipulating public opinion. This includes identifying the key objectives, motivations, and resources available to these actors.
The channel domain examines the various platforms and mediums used by these actors to disseminate their messages. This might include social media, online forums, or even traditional news outlets. IOO also takes into account the various ways in which these channels can be manipulated – from amplifying certain narratives to silencing others.
Finally, the social domain delves into the complex web of relationships and interactions between individuals, communities, and organizations. This includes analyzing how people form opinions, share information, and respond to influence operations.
By integrating these three domains, IOO provides a holistic framework for understanding and combating influence operations. It’s not just about identifying malicious actors or blocking specific channels – it’s about understanding the intricate dynamics of online social networks and how they can be manipulated.
IOO is still an evolving model, but its potential to revolutionize our approach to online security and civic engagement is undeniable. By developing a common language and framework for understanding influence operations, researchers and policymakers can better coordinate their efforts to combat these threats.
As we continue to grapple with the complexities of the digital age, IOO offers a beacon of hope – a chance to reclaim our online spaces from manipulation and misinformation. It’s a powerful tool in the fight against disinformation, one that has the potential to empower individuals, communities, and nations alike.
Cite this article: “Unlocking the Secrets of Influence Operations: A Novel Ontology for Modeling Cyber Threat Intelligence”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Influence Operations, Online Security, Social Cohesion, Manipulation, Public Opinion, Misinformation, Disinformation, Digital Landscape, Ontology, Threat Analysis
