Making Sense of Cybersecurity in 2021

Alex K.: “I’m a deep admirer of the investigative journalism and international collaboration ethics from the people at Forbidden Stories, especially ‘The Cartel Project’ series that this piece is from. Here, Cécile Schilis-Gallego explores how easily state-deployed surveillance mechanisms can be used by organized crime to silence and harass journalists, human rights defenders, and activists with impunity.”

AK: “Have you noticed how biometric data is increasingly used as a means of ID verification? How it is portrayed as the silver bullet for identity fraud? But how can we be sure our biometrics are safe if most of the information that surrounds their capture, handling, and safekeeping is so inaccessible? Not to mention all of the risks that come with centralizing databases with these extremely sensitive pieces of our identities.”

AK: “Let’s use Cybersecurity Awareness Month as an accountability check on the main companies of the cybersphere. Their biases, interests, and neglect are not only a commercial issue, they’re a matter of public interest.”

AK: “The need to address online gender-based violence becomes clear with cases like the one Priya Sippi so brilliantly covers in this piece. Especially in a world that has been shaped by colonized views and patriarchal morality. How can we transform our justice systems in the face of so many complexities?”

AK: “Far too many factors contribute to the prevailing stigma of sex work, and further deepen the violence experienced by marginalized groups. Much of it is covered in the amazing movie, ‘Zola,’ that takes a strong stance on drawing the line between sex work, sex trafficking, and the dangerous effects criminalization policies have had on sexworkers.”

AK: “With recent revelations regarding Microsoft, it is important to bring back this 2020 piece that goes deep into how their technologies can have a profound effect on communities that are continuously harassed by U.S. authorities.”

AK: “Nowadays, encryption and anonymity are the main tools that have preserved our privacy and identity. The responsibilities companies have over the safekeeping of our rights shouldn’t be forgotten when pushing forward to solve other complex issues of online violence.”

AK: “Stalkerware is deeply rooted in gender-based violence, the digital divide, and the structures of inequality. Are we developing and consuming necessary and proportionate technologies? How are the impacts of abusive technologies addressed by industries and governments?”

AK: “Are you ready for some hope? Let’s take a look into the amazing work of the feminist cyberactivists in Brazil that are creating solutions and responses to weaponized technologies. Here’s hoping the future comes with feminist approaches, transformative justice, and strong collectives of diverse and informed youths.”

AK: “Meet the youngest member of the Data Detox Kit family! This amazing downloadable book provides great tools to approach digital well-being. They offer a broad perspective on key topics like privacy, misinformation, and digital security, perfect for audiences 16+ (and parents and educators as well).”

AK: “The Totem Project is one of the most wholesome and inclusive initiatives offering free and comprehensive online training. It’s great for for activists, journalists, and anyone interested in leveling up their understanding of the internet. This course is part of the ‘How the Internet works’ series, and I highly recommend checking it out and sharing it with friends.”