Since its inception, the CyberPeace Institute has deployed services and tools to support the digital resilience of the most vulnerable communities, particularly civil society and NGOs on the front lines of development. Through its award-winning CyberPeace Builders program, the Institute provides free cybersecurity support to over 500 NGOs, connecting them with more than 1,500 expert volunteers from the private sector to deliver accessible, tailored, and sustainable cyber resilience support. In addition, the CyberPeace Academy provides essential training to build cyber skills, improve threat detection, and enhance response strategies, ensuring organisations can protect their mission and the communities they serve.
Understanding that these organisations operate in an unstable and sometimes hostile environment, the CyberPeace Institute also tracks cyberattacks and disinformation targeting them, while alerting them to ongoing threats. Through the CyberPeace Tracer, the Institute uses AI-assisted tools to monitor and analyse global cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, helping expose the human and systemic impact of digital threats.
Partnering with the International Civil Society Centre has been invaluable for the CyberPeace Institute. This collaboration has enabled us to connect with a diverse community of civil society leaders, exchange critical insights, and co-develop practical solutions that strengthen the resilience of those most at risk in the digital sphere.
Francesca Bosco, Chief Strategy Officer
As an affiliate partner of the International Civil Society Centre (ICSC), the CyberPeace Institute values the opportunity to exchange ideas, surface common challenges, and deepen a relationship grounded in trust and mutual support. Through the ICSC-hosted Solidarity Action Network (SANE), the Institute has engaged with international civil society organisations (ICSOs) and local partners to build cybersecurity awareness and capacity. In 2022, this collaboration led to a series of curated conversations that informed a practical guidance document for ICSOs. The resource focuses on data protection, cyberattack mitigation, and sustainable digital security practices tailored to the realities of humanitarian and development work.
Moreover, participating in the Scanning the Horizon community empowers the CyberPeace Institute to collaboratively scan emerging disruptions across civil society, enhance strategic foresight, and build adaptive, resilience-focused strategies through shared insights and resources.
Together, we have also raised a united call to protect civic space online. More than dialogue, this partnership builds solidarity, drives tangible change, and equips civil society to face future challenges. The Centre provides a trusted space where innovation and collaboration converge, allowing us to collectively advance the protection of civil society in the digital age.
Francesca Bosco, Chief Strategy Officer
In 2024, the partnership took on a strong advocacy dimension with the joint publication of an Open Letter to Governments, Corporations and Philanthropies. Coordinated with the Centre, and co-signed by both organizations alongside other civil society leaders, the letter called for urgent action to recognize and protect civil society as critical infrastructure in the digital age. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to defending the civic space online and ensuring that civil society can continue their essential missions securely.
Being part of the Centre’s global network allows the CyberPeace Institute to engage with a diverse community of civil society leaders, digital rights advocates, and sectoral innovators. It provides a valuable platform to share expertise, build collective strategies, and advance the Institute’s mission of fostering a more secure and resilient digital environment for civil society.