Directory >> Non-profit Organizations > > DNS and Cybersecurity Technical Institutes and Civil Society Institutions

Technical Institutes and Associations

Internet Governance Organizations

The Internet & Jurisdiction Policy Network facilitates multistakeholder coordination on cross-border legal issues related to the Internet. DiploFoundation offers training and research on digital diplomacy and governance. EuroDIG (European Dialogue on Internet Governance) organizes annual forums focused on Internet policy in Europe, while the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) serves a similar role in the Asia-Pacific region.

Some academic and research centers also contribute to Internet governance debates. The Geneva Internet Platform provides analysis, capacity building, and event support on digital policy issues. The Internet Governance Project conducts independent research on topics such as domain name policy, ICANN, and Internet architecture.

Also: The Coalition for Digital Africa is an initiative that aims to bring together stakeholders to expand the Internet in Africa.

The Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST) is an international non-profit organization that brings together a global community of computer security incident response teams (CSIRTs) from government agencies, private companies, universities, and other institutions.

Technical Institutes and Associations

Several technical institutes have developed a strong expertise in domain name infrastructure.

  • The Internet Systems Consortium (ISC) plays a foundational role by maintaining core DNS infrastructure and developing BIND, one of the most widely used DNS servers. NLnet Labs contributes critical open-source DNS software such as Unbound and NSD, widely adopted by registries and operators. DNS-OARC strengthens DNS security and resilience through collaborative research and large-scale data sharing.
  • SpamHaus tracks spam sources and cyber threats. The NetBeacon Institute focuses on improving abuse reporting and response mechanisms across the domain name ecosystem.
  • The Anti-Phishing Working Group is an independent counter eCrime association.
  • The Internet Security Research Group (ISRG), best known for operating Let’s Encrypt, advances the adoption of secure protocols and promotes trust across the Internet.

Among other smaller institutes, KOR Labs investigates DNS abuse patterns.

The Center for Applied Internet Data Analysis (CAIDA) is a non-profit government-funded research unit doing network analysis and Internet visualizations.

Trade Associations

ICA and DNA are the main domain industry professional associations. The Brand Registry group specializes in the use of brand top-level domains.

The trademarks sector counts several professional associations such as INTA, ECTA and AIPPI.