Visionary Reports

This was during a two day workshop in Buea recently

Journalist and Civil society organizations in the North West and South West Regions of  Cameroon have been trained by ADISI-CAMEROON in collaboration with Digital Security professionals on Digital Security, Data, it’s tools and Digital storage.

The 2 day workshop had different presentations done by different speakers centered on knowledge on digital  security , types of digital data, digital storage, encryption, Data privacy amongst others. According to these experts, the aim of the workshop was to train participants on how they can back up data using digital storage and tools for electronic devices like phones, computers or Laptops.

  Questions came up on how data can  be stored and for how long it could stayed if not being used. One of the trainers Vianney Forewah insisted that, it is important for people to always used the app for Back-up regularly because this data could be lost after two years if done otherwise.

  According  to these facilitator,   It is challenging to avoid a threats online or not being challenged with cyber insecurity however it can be reduced. Owners of electronic devices are most vulnerable but these  Journalists and CSOs are expected to determine a security threat online, know how to manage the situation and work perfectly in any environment.

 Given that some information are just for the eyes of the sender and Receiver, Participants were schooled by one of the trainers  on how to encrypt a message and also how to send with a password so just the receiver can access it especially via email. The facilitator for this topic went forward to explain the it’s important which he said

”It is important because it protects you from data breach. If the hacker can’t read your message because it’s encrypted, they can’t do anything with the information he said.

    Though these encryption tools are not hundred percent  secured, This encryption tools to this experts will help them from being monitored and hacked online. However, the participants were also called upon to be mindful of how they share information both online and offline for their own personal security matters given that they live in regions that are experiencing conflict. This would not only keep them safe from being monitored but their data too.

   The workshop   ended with a presentation on  digital privacy while these journalist/CSOs  trained on digital security were called upon to carry this information to their media organs and organizations.

By  Pechuqui Laurata and Helen Fonbe