Safer Internet Day: A Call for Responsibility
As we observe Safer Internet Day, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to foster a digital environment that is secure and respectful. This global observance not only promotes safer and more responsible use of online technology but also underscores the critical role of cybersecurity in safeguarding all individuals—particularly those most susceptible to various forms of digital exploitation, including technology-facilitated domestic violence (TFDV).
The Reality of Technology-Facilitated Domestic Violence (TFDV)
For many, the digital world is a safe haven for connection and innovation. However, for victims of TFDV, it is a landscape where technology is weaponized to manipulate, threaten, and control.
As Co-Founder and CEO of 3 Steps Data and Global Vice President of the Cybersecurity Advisors Network (CyAN), I am acutely aware of how technological advancements can transform into tools of abuse, turning smart devices and personal data against the individuals they are meant to empower.
Business’s Role in Technology Misuse
The misuse of technology by abusers often stems from systemic issues within the businesses that create these technologies. Poorly designed data access policies and a lack of robust privacy safeguards enable abusers to exploit technological tools with devastating efficiency.
For example, smart home devices and AI-powered surveillance can be manipulated to monitor, harass, and control victims remotely.
Advocating for End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)
Amid our discussions on cybersecurity and protection, the role of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) cannot be overstated.
As a fundamental security measure, E2EE ensures that data transmitted between two parties remains confidential and tamper-proof from origin to destination.
For individuals at risk of technology-facilitated domestic violence, E2EE acts as a vital barrier, preventing abusers from intercepting or altering sensitive communications.
By advocating for the widespread adoption of E2EE, we can significantly enhance the safety and integrity of digital interactions, ensuring that private communications remain just that—private.
Transition to Ethical Leadership
The commitment to implementing end-to-end encryption is more than a technical solution; it is a demonstration of ethical leadership and a proactive stance in compliance.
As we delve deeper into the necessity of robust cybersecurity measures, it becomes evident that maintaining such high standards of privacy and security requires us to reassess traditional approaches to compliance and governance.
Ethical Leadership and Compliance
It is imperative for businesses to rethink their approach to risk and compliance.
Rather than viewing these practices as mere legal necessities or bureaucratic red tape, they should be seen as proactive measures to prevent harm.
The case of Origin Energy, fined $1.6 million for breaches that jeopardized the safety of domestic violence survivors, starkly illustrates the potential consequences of inadequate data governance.
Four Frameworks to Protect the Vulnerable
To combat these challenges, I advocate for the implementation of four key frameworks:
1️⃣ Data Governance & Consent – Ensure that survivors have absolute control over their personal information, with the ability to revoke consent at any moment.
2️⃣ Multi-Jurisdictional Compliance – Establish consistent, global standards for data privacy that protect individuals regardless of geographical boundaries.
3️⃣ Real-Time Monitoring & Incident Response – Utilize existing cybersecurity monitoring tools to detect patterns of coercion and abuse, much like we do with financial fraud.
4️⃣ Ethical Compliance Beyond Regulations – Move beyond the minimum legal requirements and set industry standards that prioritize survivor safety from the outset.
Call to Action
This Safer Internet Day, let’s reflect on our practices and pledge to integrate robust, ethical cybersecurity measures into our businesses.
It is not enough to react to breaches after they occur; we must anticipate potential abuses and prevent them.
I encourage you to review your company’s approach to cybersecurity and consider how these frameworks could be implemented to safeguard all users, especially the most vulnerable.
Conclusion
Safer Internet Day serves as a vital reminder of the profound impact our technological designs and policies have on individual safety.
Let’s commit to transforming our digital landscape into one that supports and protects, making the internet a truly safer space for everyone.
Please join me in this discussion and share your thoughts on how we can all contribute to a safer internet.
Kim Chandler McDonald (She/Her)
📌 Co-Founder & CEO of 3 Steps Data | Global Vice President of CyAN
📌 Award-Winning Author | Storyteller | Advocate for Digital & Cyber Security, Sovereignty, Compliance/Governance & End-User Empowerment
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Original LinkedIn Post
📌 This article was originally published on LinkedIn:
🔗 Enhancing Cybersecurity: A Safer Internet Day Reflection – Kim Chandler McDonald