HRSM - Digital Security Framework Report (with Appendix)
Source: USAID | Year: 2023
Digital security is crucial for human rights organizations (HROs) because they manage sensitive information and are often at risk of surveillance, cyberattacks, and censorship by governments and other malicious actors. HROs also face escalating harassment, intimidation, and repression because of this digital monitoring and interference.
By prioritizing digital security, HROs can protect their data and communications, safeguard the privacy and safety of their staff and partners, and ensure the continued effectiveness of their work. Strong digital security practices can also demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability, building trust with the communities they serve. (For the purposes of this report, HROs include civil society organizations that conduct human rights-focused work and media outlets that cover human rights issues.)
According to Freedom on the Net 2022, digital repression is on the rise, especially in authoritarian countries. Under increasing attack, these HROs need the support of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and donors to make the improvements necessary to increase their digital resiliency; however, INGOs and donors lack strong evidence or frameworks for providing this support.
The Digital Security Framework is a learning product that offers preliminary guidance intended for INGOs and other implementers who aid in HRO capacity building. Using this framework, democracy, human rights, and governance (DRG) stakeholders can better plan for, evaluate, and improve digital security support in programs, given the time and resources available.
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