Cyber attacks targeting human rights organizations

Cyber attacks against commercial enterprises and governmental institutions have become an everyday affair. But now an increasing number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are falling victim to such attacks.

Most of them use digital platforms to raise awareness about their work, for example to publicize human rights violations, monitor processes of change in civil society and combat restrictions on the freedom of the press. Authoritarian regimes and despots are hostile to the digital denouncements – whether openly or covertly. Attacks on NGO online forums are becoming more common. Manipulated content influences user opinion. This workshop will explore how NGOs are encountering – and countering – this new danger. Who are their opponents and which methods do they use? What are the consequences of cyber assault?

Moderation:
Ulrike Langer
Journalist

Panelists:
Geraldine de Bastion
newthinking Communications

Linda Poppe
Coordinator Survival International Germany

Axel Voss
Member of the European Parliament