‘Cyber Self-Defense’ Session

Join us for a practical cyber self-defense session helping changemakers reduce digital exposure, secure accounts, and spot disinformation.

What can you expect?

This practical, non-technical training is designed for staff and teams working in sensitive, public-facing, or high-visibility roles within NGOs and not-for-profit organisations. It focuses on everyday digital risks that can affect personal safety, organisational credibility, and operational effectiveness – often without people realising it.
The session addresses common situations participants encounter in their daily work and personal lives, and explores how small, informed choices can significantly reduce exposure to digital threats.

Key areas covered include:

• Managing your online digital footprint
• Securing personal and professional email accounts
• Reducing unintended data leakage from everyday devices
• Recognising misinformation, impersonation, and online manipulation

The training is scenario-based and practical, using clear examples and simple steps that participants can apply immediately. The focus is on awareness and risk reduction, showing how small habit changes can make a meaningful difference at both individual and organisational levels.

Who is this session for?

This session is suitable for:

• Changemakers in the peace and justice ecosystem
• Communications, advocacy, leadership, and programme staff
• Anyone working in public-facing, sensitive, or high-exposure roles
• Teams with no technical or cybersecurity background

No prior technical knowledge is required.

Who is the speaker?

Richard Costelloe is an information-security and risk professional with a background in supporting organisations operating in sensitive and high-risk environments. His work focuses on practical risk reduction at both individual and organisational levels, including digital self-defence, information assurance, and security awareness training.

Richard has worked with international organisations, NGOs, and mission-driven teams, and specialises in translating complex digital risks into clear, actionable guidance for non-technical audiences.