2023:Digital safety
16–19 August 2023, Singapore and Online
Diversity. Collaboration. Future.
 | To booking a 1:1 online digital safety consultation session please register via the LimeSurvey form. Please note, the Wikimania program says 307. Room 307 will only be used for in-person walk-in questions. For a 1:1 online consultation please sign-up using the LimeSurvey form. |
Welcome to the Wikimania 2023 Digital Safety page! We are delighted to see you taking online safety seriously. This page is designed to provide essential digital safety best practices as you engage in the conference, along with links to additional resources and past diff posts (re-reading the two-part blog on doxing can be beneficial). Notably, don't miss the highlight of this year: the Virtual Digital Safety Clinic!
Wikimania 2023: Digital safety best practices
Wikimania presents exciting opportunities for us to connect as fellow Wikimedians, share ideas and have a good time; traveling and attending online sessions, however, presents digital safety risks. Below we have compiled a few best practices as you attend this year’s Wikimania.
Audio visual sharing
Whether you're posting on Instagram, creating a TikTok video, or uploading photos to Commons, remember to be respectful of people's privacy and seek their permission before sharing content that includes them. While many may display their preferences through lanyards, it’s only respectful to get their explicit consent. See here the conference’s audio visual policy for more details.
On online sessions
When attending online sessions, be aware if you are being recorded, as it may capture all voice, video, and text from the meeting. And before switching on your camera or sharing your screen, consider what information may appear and make sure confidential information is not visible.
Before heading to the conference, backup all your essential data, either on the cloud or an external storage device. In the unfortunate event of device theft, loss, or damage, having a recent backup will save you from losing valuable information and ensure a smoother recovery process.
Cybercriminals may take advantage of the excitement surrounding Wikimania to launch phishing attacks. These deceptive emails or messages often masquerade as legitimate organizations and aim to trick you into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Always double-check the sender's email address or phone number and verify any suspicious requests before taking action.
Encrypting your devices is a powerful defense against unauthorized access to your data, and it plays a vital role in enhancing your overall digital safety. Whether it's your laptop, smartphone, or tablet, encrypting these devices adds an extra layer of protection to your information, ensuring that even if your device falls into the wrong hands, your data remains secure.
These tools either help provide a secure network connection or mask your internet activity through relays, which is most important when you are away from home. While a trusted VPN or Tor is a good idea whenever you're connected to the internet, it becomes even more crucial while traveling to safeguard your network traffic on insecure networks, such as at airports or hotels.
Looking to charge your device?
When traveling, no doubt you'll have your cell phone or another portable device you'll need to recharge at some point. While convenient, be aware that using free USB port charging stations, such as those found in airports and hotel lobbies can lead to data theft or malware installation on your device. As such, carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead. Also, if you're using another person's device (like a laptop) to charge your own, a prompt regarding data sharing or trusting the device might pop up – make sure to decline.
Regarding public-wifi
Especially when we are traveling, we are more likely to use freely available public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks present opportunities for threats like man-in-the-middle attacks and data interception. If possible, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection, adding an extra layer of protection when accessing sensitive information on public networks.
Virtual Digital Safety Clinic
What is a digital safety clinic?
The virtual digital safety clinic is a dedicated space where you can seek guidance, support, and resources related to digital safety and online security. It will be staffed by professionals knowledgeable in the field of digital safety including a mix of Foundation staff and trusted partners.
The primary goal of a digital safety clinic is to educate and empower you to navigate the digital world safely and confidently. It provides a platform for addressing concerns, answering questions, and offering practical solutions to digital safety challenges.
How can a digital safety consultation benefit you?
Whether you are a seasoned digital safety practitioner in your day-to-day life, or someone who never or rarely thinks about your digital safety, a consultation is here to answer any number of questions you may have or to simply have a conversation with professionals working in the field. For instance, below is a non-exhaustive list of questions you can come with:
- How can I protect my personal information and privacy online?
- What steps can I take to secure my social media accounts?
- How do I recognize and avoid phishing scams and fraudulent websites?
- What are the best practices for creating strong and secure passwords?
- How can I protect my devices (computer, smartphone, etc.) from malware and viruses?
- What should I do if I suspect my online accounts have been hacked or compromised?
- What are the risks associated with public Wi-Fi networks and how can I stay safe when using them?
- What steps can I take to protect myself from online identity theft?
- How can I safely use public or shared computers without compromising my information?
- What should I do if I receive suspicious emails or messages requesting personal information?
- How can I safely store and backup my important digital files and documents?
- Are there any steps I can take to limit the data collected about me by online services?
- …
How can you book a consultation?
To book a consultaion, please follow these three steps:
- Register via the LimeSurvey and select a time.
- Look forward to a confirmation email containing the call details.
- Participate in the session at the designated time.
FAQ
What topics will be covered during the consultation session?
- The consultation is here to answer any number of questions you may have or to simply have a conversation with professionals working in the field. For a list of possible topics you can ask about, see here.
What technology requirements are necessary to participate?
- You can participate using any device you typically use to join online calls.
Which video calling platform will be used and why?
- Jitsi will be used the online consultation session because, simple put, it is encrypted, open source, and you don't need an account.
Will the session be recorded?
- The consultation sessions will not be recorded.
How do I submit questions for the experts?
- To get the most of your session, please share your questions ahead of time through the sign-up form.
What is the duration of the clinic?
- While each slot is set for 20 minutes, depending on the digital safety advisor the session can be extended or a follow-up can be organised at a later date.
Who are the experts facilitating the clinic?
- The consultation session will be led by digital safety and online privacy experts, including Foundation staff, trusted partners, and community members with expertise in the field.
Can other community members join in on a session I booked?
- If you would like other community members to join a session that you have booked, that is okay. Please email mfischer(_AT_)wikimedia.org ahead of time so we don't have unwanted guests in the call.
What if I miss the clinic? Will there be a replay?
- If you think you will not make it to your session please email mfischer(_AT_)wikimedia.org ahead of time.
How can I provide feedback after the clinic?
- Following the session, you'll receive a feedback form via email to gather your input. This pilot aims to enhance how we offer digital safety awareness and training at upcoming Wikimanias and regional conferences. Your feedback on what worked well, what didn't, and potential improvements is crucial for our learning process.
What if you missed signing-up by August 15?
- If you were not able to sign-up, but are still insterested in having a consultation session. Please reach out to mfischer(_AT_)wikimedia.org.
Digital Safety Resources
- Digital Safety Resources Page: A meta page where you will find articles, tools and links to interactive learning platforms to learn about digital safety concepts and inform yourself of the various risks and threats that exist as you interact with digital technologies online.
- Assess your digital security risks: This course provides a five part assessment of the different aspects of your digital security and provides a curated list of resources to improve on the areas it is lacking.
- Digital safety considerations for Wikimedians: This document highlights some of the main digital safety considerations for new and seasoned Wikimedians.
- From the Safety and Advocacy series:
Questions, comments or concerns?
If you have any digital safety related questions that may be relevant to the wider community please use the discussion page.
