Security resources organized by topic

Building awareness of how we respond to threat and stress

Developing a useful security strategy is heavily dependent on our perception – we need to be able to identify and analyse threats in order to implement ways of avoiding or reducing them. But we all perceive the world around us differently based on our circumstances, experiences and many other factors. As a result, our perception can sometimes be hindered: threats which may be evident to some people may go unrecognised by others; similarly, we also need to be able to tell the difference between threats which are genuinely possible and those which we falsely perceive, called 'unfounded fears'. It's a good idea to become familiar with factors that condition our perceptions of threat, and consider ways that we can take these into account in our security planning. (Source: Holistic Security Manual)

Resources:

• Exploring individual responses to threat (Holistic Security Manual)
• Exploring group responses to threat (Holistic Security Manual)
• Communicating about security in teams and organizations (Holistic Security Manual)

Understanding our threats and context

Situation monitoring and analysis

Situation monitoring and analysis is the broadest kind of analysis of our context: observing the political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental developments in society which are relevant to our work, and may impact our security situation. (Source: Holistic Security Manual)

Exercise: Pestle analysis (Holistic Security Manual)

Tool: Research Database on transnational repression - This collection of research reports on transnational repression can help human rights defenders better understand:

• Transnational Repression (TNR) threats that are possible, to determine appropriate mitigation techniques
• Which TNR threats are unlikely, in order to alleviate fear
• What exiled HRDs can expect from a host country in terms of protection measures
• Existing campaigns to strengthen protection for exiled HRDs

Identifying, analyzing and prioritizing threats

Map the actors

It is valuable to get a clear picture of all the actors in our environment (individuals, institutions, organizations, etc). Threats almost always come from someone or something. Knowing as much as we can about the actors in our context improves our perception of our environment and thereby, our ability to carry out activities to maintain or expand our space for work. (Source: Holistic Security Manual)

Exercise:

• Spectrum of allies (Holistic Security Manual)
• Spectrum of allies (New Tactics in Human Rights project)

Brainstorm threats

This exercise is a first attempt at identifying the threats to yourself, your group or organization and your work in defense of human rights. This initial list of threats can then be refined so as to focus in more depth on the threats which are most likely or potentially most harmful. (Source: Holistic Security Manual)

Exercise: Threat brainstorm (Holistic Security Manual)

Analyzing risk, prioritizing threats

Threats can be viewed and categorized in light of the following: the likelihood that the threat will take place, and the impact if and when it does. Likelihood and impact are concepts which help us determine risk: the higher the likelihood or impact of a threat, the higher the risk. Categorizing threats can help to keep us from feeling overwhelmed and keep our perception of threats realistic. (Source: Holistic Security Manual)

Exercise: Threat matrix (Holistic Security Manual)

Tools:

• The Ford Foundation’s Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT) is designed to measure the maturity, resiliency, and strength of an organization’s cybersecurity efforts. We have created this questionnaire with busy nontechnical grant makers, grantee partners, civil society organizations, and nonprofits in mind, and we hope it helps shine some light on a recommended path forward for any organization undertaking a cybersecurity journey

Analyze threats

This exercise will help you prioritize threats and divine the causes, ramifications, sources as well as the required resources, existing actions and possible next steps.

Exercise: Threat inventory (Holistic Security Manual)

Risk mitigation

In order to build a response to the threats we face, we can consider them in terms of the factors which make us more or less susceptible to them. Read more in this chapter of the Holistic Security Manual.

Mitigation techniques for common threats to information

Threat	Mitigation techniques and links to guidance
Data loss	Have your information securely in the cloud or on a server Have a backup process
Compromised accounts	Use two factor authentication for all accounts Use unique, complex passwords for all accounts Use a password manager to create, store and protect those passwords
Device inspection at checkpoints	Use automated disappearing messages on your messaging apps Have your sensitive information stored safely in the cloud and off of your device Hide or delete any apps that would provide access to this information (you can restore that app later)
Device confiscation or theft	Encrypt your devices And, review and adapt the same advice above for “device inspection” threat
Information handover	Host your information with a company you trust, who will not turn over information to your opponents (via subpoena, request, etc)
Targeted malware or spyware	Protect yourselves against (spear) phishing attacks Use a second device for sensitive activities Restart your device regularly to disrupt spyware Use anti virus How to mitigate your risk of being subject to Pegasus surveillance, and other spyware
Surveillance and monitoring	Use a VPN and/or Tor browser Use a secure messaging app How to collect and store information in a secure way How to use Google Drive safely and alternatives to Google Drive
Website hacking and takeover	Protect your website from DDOS attacks Use a host company that you trust And, review and adapt the same advice above for "compromised accounts"

Other important considerations when collecting, storing, using sensitive information:

Consideration	Resources
Make sure you have informed consent from the people you are collecting information	Guidance on informed consent

• Information Security for Human Rights Defenders

Mitigation techniques for online harassment

How to deal with online harassment and threats

Security planning

Once we have clarity about the threats we face during our activities, we can begin to organize our security protocols into security plans or agreements. There are three main areas to consider when developing any security plans:

1. Prepare -- What can you do now to prepare for when this threat happens?
2. Respond -- How will you and your team respond when the threat occurs?
3. Treat -- How will you take care of your team after the threat has happened?

Prepare:

• Identify & assess the threats and your vulnerabilities: This involves systematically analyzing your assets (physically, digitally) to understand potential threats and knowing your vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
• Develop security policies and procedures: Create clear policies outlining acceptable behavior regarding physical and digital security, and incident reporting.
• Implement preventive measures: based on identified threats, implement safeguards procedures and tools, with considering staff training programs to minimize the potential threats impact.
• Invest in Security Awareness Programs: regularly educate your staff/colleagues on the founded security plans and measures, this empowers them to identify, respond and report effectively.
• Conduct Security testing: regularly assess the effectiveness of security measures through penetration testing (simulated attacks) and security drills. This helps identify weaknesses and refine procedures.

Respond:

• Build Incident Response Plan: develop a clear plan outlining actions to be taken in case of a security threat. This includes identifying the designated responders, notification procedures (internal teams, authorities), and containment strategies to mitigate impact.
• Communication Strategy: Establish a communication plan for internal and external stakeholders during a security incident. This ensures timely and accurate information is disseminated, minimizing confusion and panic.
• Business continuity plan: A strategy to ensure critical operations continue with minimal disruption during an incident.
• Disaster recovery plan (Data Backups and Recovery): establish a specific plan for recovering IT systems and data, maintain robust data backup and recovery procedures to ensure business continuity in case of after a disaster like a fire, flood, or cyberattack.
• Communication and Collaboration: effective communication and collaboration across teams are crucial for successful incident response and recovery.
• Train your people: Regularly train staff on security policies, incident reporting procedures, and their roles during a contingency.

Treat:

• Analyze lessons learned: conduct a thorough assessment to understand the cause and scope of the security incidents. This helps identify your vulnerabilities, prevent future occurrences, and establish better prevention plans.
• Recovery and Remediation: Implement measures to restore affected systems and data. This might involve patching vulnerabilities in software, restoring lost data from backups, and implementing additional security measures to prevent similar incidents.
• psychological safety considerations, give priority to those affected by incident, and ensure that appropriate care is provided to them if physically or psychologically injured, and treat with causes of the incident accordingly later.
• Review and update your security plans and approach: Following an incident, review your security posture and update policies, procedures, and preventative measures based on the lessons learned.

Review this chapter of the Holistic Security Manual.

General guidance for creating security plans and agreements

Resources:

• Consumer Reports Security Planner is a free, easy-to-use guide to staying safer online. It provides personalized recommendations and expert advice on topics such as keeping social media accounts from being hacked, locking down devices ranging from smartphones to home security cameras, and reducing intrusive tracking by websites.
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0:  Small Business Quick Start Guide - provides small-to-medium sized businesses (SMB), specifically those who have modest or no cybersecurity plans in place, with considerations to kick-start their cybersecurity risk management strategy using the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0. (by the National Institute of Standards and Technology)

Security planning on specific topics

• General tips for international travel
• General tips for home security

Building a culture of security within a team

LevelUp is a collection of resources for the global digital safety training community.

Organisational security community wiki is a resource created by and for security practitioners from all backgrounds to share useful resources and document innovative approaches to long-term security work.

Resource collections

Digital First Aid Kit - The Digital First Aid Kit is a free resource to help rapid responders, digital security trainers, and tech-savvy activists to better protect themselves and the communities they support against the most common types of digital emergencies. It can also be used by activists, human rights defenders, bloggers, journalists or media activists who want to learn more about how they can protect themselves and support others. If you or someone you are assisting is experiencing a digital emergency, the Digital First Aid Kit will guide you in diagnosing the issues you are facing, and refer you to support providers for further help if needed.

Access Now Help Desk documentation

CyberSTAR, by SecDev, makes it easier for small organizations and individuals to understand and manage digital safety by organizing it around six themes. This site presents learning resources to help you be safer online—plus teaching resources for digital safety trainers.

More info:

Secure storage for sensitive information

Secure access to sensitive information

Secure your devices