DIGITAL SECURITY CLINIC/TRAINING FOR CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA
Organised by SieDi-Hub and Spaces for Change (S4C)
Date: 16th – 17th November, 2023
Venue: Rapha Hotel Ltd., #1 Rapha Avenue by Secretariat Road, Umuahia, Abia state
The program was a proactive initiative geared towards ensuring that every CSOs are compliant to the rules and requirements on digital security and digital rights which seek to maintain/safeguard fundamental human rights in the digital environment and how CSOs can respond to digital threats.
Digital rights have become crucial for protecting individual freedoms and ensuring a fair and open society.
Digital rights are the exercise of universal human rights to express oneself in a safe, private, secure, and sustainable digital space.
On the legal basis of digital rights covered by the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA 2023), it is now expedient that every organization must have a data protection officer.
NDPA 2023 was signed into law on the 14th of June, 2023. The objectives of the Act amongst others is to safeguard the fundamental rights, freedoms and interests of data subjects as guaranteed under the the 1999 constitution of Nigeria. (Refer to NDPA 2023 for more information)
Digital safety was not left out due to potential online threats such as identity theft, malware and viruses, phishing and scam e-mails, cyberthreats, fake websites, etc. It is therefore vital individuals/internet users owe themselves a duty of being careful over the internet environment by
(1) Taking security proactive steps such as protecting your computers, mobile devices, and other internet connected devices from intrusions, regular updates of the computer, softwares and applications, being careful of suspicious links, etc.
(2) Taking security reactive steps such as the use of encryption, never respond to spam, keep your browser updated, etc.
In addition, through collective efforts by civil society groups which can play a big role in advancing digital safety and promoting human rights due to the fact that they promote causes and rights that are targeted at good governance and societal benefits.
Tools to help keep data safe include –
Data encryption for enhanced security and data integrity to prevent unauthorized access
File storage and sharing using Tresorit, Google Drive.
Messaging by using Signal, Telegram apps.
Browsing by using Google safe browsing
Password manager such as Nordpass, Keeper, 1 Password.
VPN such as Express VPN, Surfshark.
Antivirus software
In conclusion, the following were listed as general hygiene (best practices) to help keep data safe.
Upload your old files to the cloud/drop box and delete them from your archives.
Back up your files using cloud.
Do not click on URLs you do not know or recognize.
Update your privacy settings to protect your personal information online.
The clinic/training is coming at a time when cyberthreats are becoming alarming.
There is therefore need for the following by CSOs
- Awareness – By increasing the level of awareness among your staff about common online threats, and best practices
- Risk mitigation – By equipping your organization with tools to identify and mitigate digital threats to ensure operational continuity.
- Compliance – By adhering to relevant digital security regulations while ensuring that your organization complies with industry standards and legal requirements.
4.Networking – By connecting or collaborating with other CSOs for training and sharing of best practices in order to strengthen digital security inputs/ efforts. - Long term sustainability – By establishing foundation for digital security awareness and improvement will ensure organizations are resilient in the face of evolving online threats.
In conclusion, encouraging digital security in CSOs will contribute to the advancement of the civil society sector in terms of community impact by safeguarding their invaluable work and input while collaborating with relevant agencies and cyber tech experts to stay informed about emerging threats and how to mitigate or handle such.
Thanks.
Sign.
Ugochukwu Emmanuel
(Program officer, ICT/Media and communications, FENRAD)
On behalf of –
Mr. Nelson Nwafor
(CEO/Executive Director,
FENRAD)
Kudos to the organizers –