Female Journalists Trained in Effective Cybersecurity Methods

A training session for women journalists, titled "Protection Against Online Bullying, Data Leaks, and Online Fraud", took place in Astana. The event was organised by the International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech "Adil Soz" with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in Kazakhstan.

This event was part of the "Cybersecurity for Women Journalists in Kazakhstan" project, aimed at fostering a safe digital environment, particularly for independent regional journalists and Kazakh-language media professionals. The project seeks to equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard their professional activities and personal data. Thirty women journalists from Astana and various regions participated in the training, acquiring valuable skills and practical information on cybersecurity.

"Digital threats are becoming an increasingly serious issue for journalists in Kazakhstan. According to Adil Soz monitoring, the number of cyber threats has risen by 400% over the past two years. Women journalists are particularly vulnerable, as these threats often target not only their professional activities but also their personal lives and the safety of their families. Over 70% of women journalists in Kazakhstan have experienced online harassment, and 35% have faced attempts at unauthorised access to personal data," said Karla Jamankulova, President of Adil Soz.

The training was conducted by experienced experts:

• Artem Tarasov, an international consultant on information and physical security (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan).
• Yuri Li, creator of social projects stop-piramida.kz and sapa-sauda.kz.
• Azamat Galimzhanov, a professional in AI and software development.

Participants learned effective ways to secure their social media accounts, configure privacy settings, and use password managers. Experts also shared strategies for responding quickly and effectively to cyberattacks and avoiding traps set by cybercriminals. Additionally, attendees received valuable insights into the role of AI in cybersecurity.

"Online harassment and cyberbullying have increased dramatically, particularly for women in public life. Female journalists especially, are subjected to an alarming level of abuse simply for doing their jobs. They face harassment, threats, and intimidation that go beyond the professional risks traditionally associated with journalism. When female journalists are targeted, it undermines the freedom of the press. We must work to safeguard both the freedom of expression and the safety of those who exercise that freedom," remarked Tobias Werder, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in Kazakhstan

Following the training, Adil Soz plans to release a digital security guide in both Russian and Kazakh. This resource will serve as an important step in promoting a culture of digital safety among journalists in Kazakhstan.

For further information about the project, please contact:

Email: info@adilsoz.kz

Phone number: +7 777 400 221