Protecting Voices: Digital Security Workshop for Activists and Journalists
16th – 19th November, 2024
Background:
In today’s digital landscape, the critics of the government face unprecedented risks with the State employing spyware like Pegasus and other hacking softwares to plant evidence as alleged in the case of Bhima Koregaon activists. The seizure of devices of journalists and comics such as Mohammed Zubair and Sanjay Rajoura makes the situation more alarming. Even a single tweet can put you at risk. The raid on Newsclick showed that police can seize your device, compromising all your data, regardless of experience or output. In the last decade, activists, journalists, lawyers, and environmentalists have had their phones taken or hacked, exposing sensitive information.
As a journalist, activist, or individual, you’re vulnerable to surveillance and data breaches. Don’t assume you’re safe. Attend and take control of your digital security. This workshop provides essential skills to protect themselves, their sources, and their work.
Join our Digital Security Workshop to protect yourself:
– Learn essential tools and techniques to safeguard your digital presence
– Understand what to store and what not to store on your phone
– Discover how to secure sensitive information and sources
– Stay one step ahead of potential threats
Objective: Equip activists and journalists with practical skills to safeguard their digital identity, communications, and data, ensuring freedom of expression and security in the digital landscape.
- Enhance their digital security posture
- Maintain credibility and trust
- Ensure continuity of critical work
- Join a community of like-minded individuals committed to digital security
Our workshop will empower you to:
1. Protect sensitive information and sources from cyber threats and surveillance.
2. Mitigate risks of identity theft, harassment, and reputation damage.
3. Ensure confidentiality and security in communications with sources and colleagues.
4. Defend against targeted attacks and espionage.
5. Understand digital security best practices to maintain credibility and trust.
Workshop Modules:
Module 1: Fundamentals
1. Basics of encryption
2. Secure communication tools: Signal vs WhatsApp vs Proton mail
3. Introduction to cryptpad
Module 2: Account and Identity Security
1. Access, identities, and teams
2. Password managers: KeePassXC and Bitwarden
3. Two-factor authentication and security keys
Module 3: Device and Browser Security
1. Secure browser setup
2. Device identity
3. Personal protection plans and travel security plans
Module 4: Data Protection
1. Software updates
2. Encryption with VeraCrypt
3. Spyware and data security
4. Secure data destruction
Module 5: Advanced Threats and Countermeasures
1. Phishing and social engineering
2. Backups and secure storage
3. Communication security
4. Faraday bags and physical security
Module 6: Hands-on Practice and Q&A
Interactive session for participants to practice new skills and address concerns.
Who is the workshop for:
– Activists
– Journalists
– Human rights defenders
– Independent media professionals
– Anyone requiring enhanced digital security measures
Follow-up:
– Offer ongoing support and resources
– Conduct regular check-ins and security audits
– Provide updates on emerging threats and countermeasures
– Conduct individual analysis
This comprehensive workshop will empower activists and journalists to safeguard their digital presence, ensuring continued advocacy and reporting without compromise.
Facilitators:
Srishti Jaswal: Srishti Jaswal is an award-winning journalist and a certified digital security trainer from Reporters Without Borders in Berlin. Srishti has been a fellow with Columbia University and Princeton University.
Kaushik Raj: Kaushik Raj is a freelance journalist covering hate crimes against religious minorities. He has been nominated for Newcomer of the year award by Free Press Unlimited Netherlands and also for Human Rights and Religious Freedom Journalism Awards. His reporting has led to arrests of several religious supremacists in India.
Contribution to the Program: We request participants to contribute an amount of Rs. 4,000 towards workshop expenses, inclusive of all onsite workshop costs: boarding, lodging, and all the materials used in the workshop. Travel will be borne by the participants.
Need-based fee waivers are available. Do remember that there may be others who need it more than you. The fee waivers will be offered to people from marginalized groups and non-funded social, political, or student movements.
Dates: 16th to 19th December, 2024
Venue: Sambhaavnaa Institute, Kandbari, Tehsil, Palampur, District Kangra, PIN 176061, Himachal Pradesh
For more information, please call 86 79 32 56 26 or email programs@sambhaavnaa.org