The digital threats facing high-risk actors—journalists, activists, and civil society organizations—are more persistent and sophisticated than ever. But what happens when we shift our focus from purely technical solutions to a victim-centric approach? This keynote fireside chat moderated by Francesca Bosco from the CyberPeace Institute will open the event by addressing cybersecurity from the perspective of those most affected and discuss the lived experiences of high-risk actors targeted by digital surveillance and attacks.
Meet our Speakers
Moderator: Francesca Bosco
Francesca Bosco is Chief Strategy and Partnerships Officer at the CyberPeace Institute. As such, she is leading the strategic engagement in programs and initiatives leveraging multistakeholder cooperation with civil society, academia, corporates, philanthropy and public institutions, to reduce the harms from cyberattacks and and to promote sustainable cyberpeace. Francesca has an International Law and Human Rights background with 15+ years’ experience in working for international organizations (UN and WEF) on action-oriented research, capacity building, technical assistance in human rights, justice, peace and security.
Marcus Michaelsen
Marcus Michaelsen, PhD, is a researcher studying digital technologies, human rights activism and authoritarian politics. He works as a Senior Researcher at the Citizen Lab based at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto, where he focuses on digital transnational repression. Previously he was a Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Fellow in the Law, Science, Technology and Society (LSTS) research group of Vrije Universiteit Brussel and a Senior Information Controls Fellow with the Open Technology Fund. From 2014 until 2018, Dr. Michaelsen was a post-doctoral researcher in the project Authoritarianism in a Global Age in the Political Science Department of the University of Amsterdam.
Ksenia Maximova
Ksenia Maximova is a Russian-British political activist and the founder of the Russian Democratic Society UK (RDS). In the United Kingdom, RDS has garnered recognition for its efforts in organising rallies that bring together dissidents and members of the Russian opposition. In addition to its protest activities, RDS has contributed to humanitarian initiatives, notably raising funds to procure generators and medical equipment for Ukraine to alleviate the electricity shortages resulting from the ongoing conflict.
Event Details
Date: 12 March 2025
Location: Locarno Suite, London
More information on the event page here.
About Common Good Cyber
Common Good Cyber is a global initiative with the goal of identifying sustainable models for supporting groups, organizations, and individuals involved in critical cybersecurity functions for the broader Internet community.
The Internet powers our global life, but its security is at stake. To ensure a safe and lasting digital future, we need to support those tirelessly safeguarding it. From fortifying infrastructure to empowering users, join us in understanding, appreciating, and sustaining the cybersecurity efforts that keep our online world secure for all.
For more information, visit www.commongoodcyber.org and our LinkedIn.
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