"Russian hybrid warfare has become the principle threat to NATO over the last decade. From the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, Russia has exercised its will across Europe; inciting tensions while limiting its activities to below the Article 5 threshold, an armed attack on one is an attack on all. The balance of power favors those who embrace inevitable technology advancement while enduring the discomfort presented by its evolution. Hybrid warfare creates complex problems requiring an unconventional mindset and while NATO Special Operations (NSOF) inherently possess this trait and are rightly-suited to contribute to NATO’s counter-hybrid strategy, little research examines how NSOF tactical activities can deliver strategic effects through the exploitation of technology. This capstone collates expansive research on Russian gray zone activities of hybrid warfare, NATO’s cyber deterrence and counter hybrid threat strategy, and NSOF’s doctrine and capabilities, to present a focused area for capability enhancement of Special Operations Forces (SOF). NSOF’s embrace of Technical Exploitation Operations (TEO) facilitated evidence-based operations in Afghanistan with great success and subsequently led to the establishment of TEO programs in Alliance nations. However, sub-disciplines like biometrics have received preference over data-rich sources like digital media, cellular phones, and other more complex exploitation forms. An appreciation of the value of digital artifacts and their ability to illuminate hybrid warfare and gray zone activities, intent, and attribution is necessary to accurately position NSOF in NAOT’s cybersecurity and hybrid warfare framework.”