Digital Security Audits and Trainings
There was a marked increase in appreciation and recognition of the importance of preventive digital security among human rights defenders, and DSA immediately got inundated with requests. The GIF project made it possible for DSA to respond to the evolving digital security landscape and enabled the undertaking of few security audits followed by relevant interventions including trainings, with selected human rights defender organizations that were at high risk. , In general, many CSOs ramped up their efforts to obtain digital security training for their staff and beneficiaries. Training sessions typically covered a range of topics including secure browsing, password management, and identifying and responding to cyber threats and harassment; anonymity and circumvention techniques among others, depending on specific threat models of affected organizations.
Secure Communication Channels
To protect sensitive information, several CSOs in Zimbabwe have adopted the use of encrypted communication channels, such as secure messaging apps and email services. These tools offer end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the intended recipients can access the information being transmitted.
Digital Rights Advocacy
CSOs like MISA and others are actively advocating for digital rights, including the right to privacy and freedom of expression online. They are working closely with regional and international partners to challenge government surveillance and censorship, and to promote digital rights awareness among Zimbabweans.
