OSLO, Norway — With disinformation campaigns, online fraud and cyberattacks on the rise globally, companies, institutions and governments are scrambling to ramp up their online security measures. But the significant cost of firewalls, encryption and other digital security measures can make it difficult for at-risk players in the nonprofit sector to take the necessary precautions to prevent attacks, as well as to respond effectively if an attack does happen.
Dr. Melanie Rieback, CEO and co-founder of nonprofit computer security consultancy Radically Open Security, recently talked about the ins and outs of digital defense at Oslo Innovation Week in the Norwegian capital. The Dutch national, a former assistant professor of computer science best known for her research on RFID security, has extensive experience in how to combat cyber attacks.
Rieback sat down with Devex to discuss best practices in online security for NGOs, and what steps they can take to protect themselves and their members. The conversation here has been edited for length and clarity.