Surfshark Highlights Cybersecurity and Data Research at 2025 IPI Congress
Published on November 11, 2025
- Global Journalism Event: The IPI 2025 Congress in Vienna focused on press freedom and media innovation worldwide.
- Surfshark Sessions: Presented research hub insights and live cybersecurity demos highlighting journalist data safety risks.
- Online Safety Initiatives: Partnerships, Emergency VPN program, and digital rights advocacy aim to protect journalists globally.
The 2025 International Press Institute (IPI) World Congress and Media Innovation Festival brought together leading journalists, editors, and media experts in Vienna to discuss the challenges facing global journalism. With online security becoming increasingly crucial, Surfshark used the event to highlight how cybersecurity impacts modern media.
What Happened at the 2025 IPI World Congress?
The three-day event ran from October 23 to 25 and marked the 75th anniversary of the IPI. More than 630 participants from over 90 countries attended, with 184 speakers sharing insights across lectures and workshops.
The theme, “Defending the Future of Free Media,” focused on protecting journalists and media organizations in an increasingly digital world. Topics ranged from press freedom to media innovation, emphasizing the importance of secure and reliable online information.
Surfshark’s Role and Key Discussions in IPI 2025
Surfshark contributed through two main sessions, covering data research and cybersecurity:
- Data Research Insights: Vaiva Norkūnaitė, Surfshark’s Public Relations Manager, presented the company’s Research Hub, which produces studies cited by major outlets like the BBC and The New York Times. The discussion highlighted how online data and statistics shape modern journalism.
- Cybersecurity in Action: Miguel Fornés Belcasem, Security Governance and Compliance Manager at Surfshark, demonstrated hacking techniques in real time. The workshop showed how easily personal data can be compromised, underscoring the critical need for online hygiene among journalists.
Scott Griffen, IPI Executive Director, stressed the importance of cybersecurity:
“Journalists and media organizations today face cyberattacks and surveillance that threaten their safety, source protection, and the public’s access to information. Strong cybersecurity policies are essential to ensure journalists can work freely and safely.”
Staying Safe Online
Surfshark continues to prioritize global online security through partnerships with organizations such as the Open Rights Group, Access Now, and EDRi. These collaborations support press freedom, digital rights, and online safety laws.
The company also promotes its Emergency VPN program, designed to protect journalists and media organizations during high-risk situations.
Additionally, the IPI shared a curated list of 75 must-read books on press freedom and independent journalism, providing valuable resources for media professionals and enthusiasts alike.
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