Don’t panic! How the Digital Security Helpline can help you

You may know that we run a free, 24/7 Digital Security Helpline for civil society across the globe. You may also know that our staff will respond within two hours of receiving a message. But do you know what we can do for you?

Our services give users at risk — human rights defenders, journalists, bloggers, NGOs, activists, and members of oppressed or marginalized communities — the knowledge and tools necessary to use the internet more boldly and securely.

This “menu” presents what we can offer to individuals and organizations seeking to exercise their fundamental human rights in the digital age, such as the right to privacy, free expression, and freedom of assembly.

Interested in something here? Contact us at [email protected].

To start, one of our experts will conduct a light risk assessment, allowing us to more easily mitigate the threats you face and vulnerabilities you may have. We’ll work with you to address any challenges you may encounter, and stay with you to a resolution.

BUILD THE FOUNDATION FOR SECURITY
Where to start?
Let us walk through your individual risk profile, and together prioritize your digital security needs.

Tips to improve your digital security
We can teach you some of the most important best practices and help you get into a secure mindset for the future.

Travel securely
Being safe away from home is a challenge. We can help you create a memorable rule set for digital security while traveling, designed to increase your physical and online safety when you’re in unfamiliar locations.

SECURE YOUR PRIVATE COMMUNICATIONS
Email sensitive information
We can discuss the challenges of email security and how you can better protect yourself and the recipients of your messages — especially important if you’re corresponding with someone at risk.

Using instant messaging? Lost without Cryptocat?
We will explain strategies to use, ensuring your instant messaging is taking place only with the intended recipient.

WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal: Which mobile messenger is right for you?
Allow us to introduce you to the best apps for secure, encrypted texting.

Protect your voice and video calls
Our team can provide you with strategies and resources to prevent information from being leaked when you make direct calls through the internet.

PROTECT YOUR FILES
Secure your files
We will show you tools and techniques to protect sensitive files on your laptop. All operating systems are welcome!

Secure deletion
Recovering deleted files is easier than you think. Let us assist you in removing sensitive, yet unwanted, data from your device.

WARD OFF ATTACKS
Avoid malware
Learn what techniques and programs are appropriate to protect your device from malicious software.

Browse securely
Become prepared to face malicious websites, malware ads, and other online threats. Let our team provide you with the best practices and tools to browse the internet safely.

ALL ABOUT PASSWORDS
Password creation and management
Remembering too many passwords? Tired of creating yet another unique string of letters, numbers, and special characters? There is hope. We can show you how to make password creation and storage much, much easier.

Beyond passwords
Two-factor authentication goes farther in securing your account than just a password alone. Find out what accounts you can protect with this added layer of security and how to do it.

SECURE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook
Become familiar with Facebook’s security features and the settings available. Let us guide you through the best practices, including permissions, two-factor authentication, and more.

Google
Google accounts hold more than just email: your Google Docs, Spreadsheets, and Hangouts are also vulnerable to compromise. With our guidance, you can learn how to change permissions, activate two-factor authentication, and more.

Twitter
Protect your account with the best security practices Twitter has to offer — we can show you how. Learn about Twitter’s security features, permissions, two-factor authentication, and more.

STAY ANONYMOUS AND FREE ONLINE
Conceal your identity and browse anonymously
Let the Helpline team guide you through techniques and strategies to browse the internet in an anonymous way, unconnected to your identity.

Evade online censorship
Internet censorship is a growing concern. Engage in a conversation with us about technologies and solutions available to overcome this issue.

RECOVER YOUR ACCOUNT
Lost access to an online account?
We’ll work together to investigate what happened and walk through the steps to try to get your account back.

Whatever digital security challenge you may face, we’re here to help. Our multilingual staff is fluent in English, Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Tagalog. We hope that you take advantage of our services, and spread the word to others who may need assistance.