In light of government crackdowns on freedom and ability to communicate, this IDWG Bi-monthly Security Exchange focused on the challenges NGOs are facing and what they can do to manage them. Unfortunately, a recording was not made due to a technical issue. However, a copy of the presentation slide deck, recommend communication tools from the presenters, and a link to OSAC’s information security resources are all available to IDWG members on OSAC.gov.

Recommended communication tools and resources from the presenters:

• WhatsApp, a freeware and cross-platform messaging and Voice Over IP (VoIP) service.
• Signal, an encrypted communications application for mobile devices.
• ProtonMail, an end-to-end encrypted email service.
• Jitsi, open-source multiplatform voice, videoconferencing, and instant messaging service.
• Tor, software for enabling anonymous communication.
• Faraday Bags, bags used to shield electronics from electromagnetic fields.

OSAC’s Information Security archive on OSAC.gov contains analytical products, State Department Consular Affairs alerts, and daily news germane to cybersecurity. Two reports related to the Security Exchange’s topic are highlighted below:

• Encrypted Communications Apps (May 2018)
• OSAC Benchmarking: Mobile Communication Security (March 2018)