Cyber Defense for Journalists, Activists and their Audiences

Abstract:

Ensuring that journalists and their audiences know how they might be vulnerable to digital attacks and what information they need to protect is key to selecting and using appropriate digital security tools and techniques. Digital security is therefore essential to the free flow of information online: enabling journalists to safely report on key issues in the public interest and their audiences to engage with this material without compromising on their own security.

About this course:

This is an engaging and easily digestible cyber defense course in 12 short video-lessons which you can share with colleagues, friends and family. Our expert, Kida the cyber-hoopoe, will not only take you through the most common digital security attacks and what you can do to prevent them, but also encourage you to take care of yourself in the process. This resource is one to work through beginning to end or to dip into for a refresher as you need. Kida is waiting for you with a cup of tea for her stress-free guide to your digital security!

What do I learn:

Through this course, you will learn how to use recommended digital security tools and techniques to ensure your online safety. This course begins with a personal digital security risk assessment and self-assessment before considering the most common digital security attacks targeting journalists and their audiences. You will understand the different ways in which attackers might target you online and consider how you and the information on your devices might be vulnerable. You will then explore ways to secure your devices, protect your accounts, defend against tracking and surveillance and ensure you are using the internet safely.

What do I need to know:

Learners do not need any prior knowledge of digital security tools and techniques to enrol in this course but ideally should be familiar with their own devices and settings. Recommended applications and guidance materials will be linked to through QR codes in the animations so an internet-enabled phone would be a helpful resource for participants. In addition, users should think carefully about their own threat models and what might be at risk in the case of a digital attack and use this information to select priority lesson subjects for their needs.

Trainers

Kida

Kida the cyber-hoopoe is your guide and companion on this digital security journey and represents the combined experience and expertise of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalists and trainers. Kida's approach to digital security is protecting yourself online should be positive, possible and fun and she believes that keeping stress-free is the key to online security.