Protecting Human Rights: Cyber Surveillance Threats and Solutions in 2023
In today’s digital era, it’s crucial to grasp the significance of cybersecurity risks and the challenges it presents. Its impact on human…
In today’s digital era, it’s crucial to grasp the significance of cybersecurity risks and the challenges it presents. Its impact on human rights is significant. Organizations dedicated to assisting vulnerable populations encounter obstacles due to security threats. According to the 2023 Nonprofit Tech for Good Report, 27% of global nonprofits have experienced cyberattacks such as email phishing, website hacking, and ransomware, emphasizing the need to make data security a top priority.
The Challenges of Cybersecurity in Humanitarian Organizations
Sadly, only 1 in 5 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have a cybersecurity strategy in place, even though they handle significant amounts of sensitive data. Many staff members and volunteers lack proper training in cybersecurity practices, leading to an inability to recognize and prevent attacks such as phishing. The humanitarian community thus becomes an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals.
Insights from Leading Experts
Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale University, has stressed the need for humanitarian groups to formulate contingency plans in the event of cyberattacks. Engaging cybersecurity experts for audits and defensive measures is vital for the safety of human rights activists and the people they serve.
A Closer Look at Global Cyber Threats
- Israeli spyware used to target journalists and activists: Israeli spyware like the NSO Group’s Pegasus is endangering human rights activists and civilians, highlighting the need for secure communication channels like CypherChat.
- Pakistan’s Attacks on Human Rights Defenders: In Pakistan, human rights defenders and journalists face systematic surveillance and harassment, emphasizing the urgent need for privacy-focused communication tools like CypherChat
How Cyber Threats Impact Humanitarian Efforts
When attacked, organizations can face paralysis, delays in communication, database compromises, and the exposure of sensitive financial information. For instance, in 2021, New Zealand’s Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) fell victim to a ransomware attack, locking staff out of essential systems. Though VSA recovered quickly without paying a ransom, not all entities may be as fortunate. In conflict areas, delays in aid can endanger vulnerable communities, and in the worst cases, whistleblowers and activists may be exposed or even killed.
Solution: Mitigating Risks with CypherChat
CypherChat is an exceptional messaging app that combines End-to-End Encryption (E2EE), zero reliance on personal information, and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) transmission. This powerful combination ensures that interception risks are completely eliminated. By utilizing E2EE and enabling anonymous communication, CypherChat provides a secure platform for organizations involved in human rights advocacy or investigative journalism. They can now safely exchange crucial information regarding human rights violations, the involvement of both state and non-state actors, details about victims and whistleblowers, as well as the planning of rescue operations. With the sender encrypting messages and only the intended recipient being able to decrypt them, the risk of breaches is significantly reduced.
- No Personal Information Required
- End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)
- Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Communication
- Secure file sharing and audio/video conferencing with screen sharing
- AI Chatbot: AskCyph™ and DocCyph™
In addition to implementing CypherChat, humanitarian organizations should also focus on educating staff members on best practices for online security, password management, and recognizing phishing attempts. Regular updates to the app ensure the best possible safety and user experience.
Act Now
Are you a part of an NGO or a journalist network working on human rights issues and concerned about cybersecurity? Don’t risk the lives and data of those you serve. Contact us today to learn how CypherChat can safeguard your communication to operate in various geopolitical environments with surveillance and censorship. Experience the future of secure messaging and join in safeguarding freedom of expression.
CypherChat is a secure messaging platform built with privacy, security, and free expression in mind. It does not require the sharing of personal information to sign up and use the platform. All communication is End-to-End Encrypted (E2EE) with Peer-to-Peer (P2P) calling and filesharing.
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
