Surfshark and Amnesty International Join Forces to Help Protect Activists and Journalists From Cyber Threats
Published
Key Takeaways
- Digital Forensics Fellowship: Surfshark supports Amnesty International in training activists worldwide to combat spyware threats through education.
- Global Surveillance Risks: Amnesty reports increasing digital monitoring targeting journalists, activists, and civil society organizations.
- Regional Cybersecurity Training: Fellowship participants receive Android, iOS, and helpline management skills supporting vulnerable communities.
Surfshark has announced a new partnership with Amnesty International to support the organization’s Digital Forensics Fellowship (DFF), a program focused on helping activists, journalists, and human rights defenders improve their digital security skills.
The collaboration aims to address the growing need for trained digital defenders as online surveillance, spyware attacks, and cyber threats continue to increase across the world.
According to Amnesty International’s Security Lab, the fellowship provides hands-on training in areas such as mobile device forensics, malware traffic analysis, and threat research. Participants learn how to examine Android and iOS devices and investigate sophisticated digital attacks targeting civil society groups.
Molly Cyr, Training and Community Engagement Lead at Amnesty International’s Security Lab, explained that the fellowship was created after the Pegasus Project revealed the scale of spyware use against activists, journalists, and public figures worldwide.
She said the program was initially designed as an introductory training course but has gradually evolved into a more advanced initiative for organizations already working in mobile device forensics and seeking to strengthen their expertise further.
Fellowship Focuses on Real-World Digital Threats
The Digital Forensics Fellowship centers on what Amnesty International describes as “consensual mobile device forensics.” This approach involves analyzing devices only with the informed consent of individuals or organizations seeking support.
Cyr explained that the process helps people understand whether their devices were compromised and allows them to make informed decisions about how to respond afterward.
She also highlighted the increasing use of digital surveillance technologies worldwide. According to her, governments and other actors are deploying advanced monitoring tools more frequently, often alongside physical surveillance methods, to track activists, journalists, and human rights movements.
The Security Lab noted that these threats vary depending on a person’s location, profession, and identity, but attacks involving spyware and digital monitoring are becoming more widespread globally.
As conflicts continue to grow in different regions, Amnesty International said there is a rising need for local technical experts who can investigate digital threats and support affected communities directly.
Program Expands Training and Regional Support
The fellowship is aimed at people already working at the intersection of human rights and technology. Participants come from different regions, particularly areas where digital threats are severe and access to advanced cybersecurity training is limited.
This year’s program will include Android and iOS forensics training, along with a new focus on building sustainable and secure support helplines within participating organizations.
According to Cyr, the fellowship also teaches organizations how to safely receive and manage cases while recognizing when individuals may need additional support services related to physical safety or wellbeing.
Amnesty International said the program has already created a ripple effect, with former fellows going on to train and support others in their local communities.
By expanding technical expertise across multiple regions, the fellowship aims to create a stronger global network capable of responding to sophisticated cyber threats locally.
Surfshark Says Partnership Matches Its Broader Vision
Surfshark stated that supporting the fellowship aligns with its broader goal of promoting digital privacy and online safety beyond its own products and services.
Dovydas Godelis, CEO of Surfshark, said the company believes digital safety involves not only consumer security tools but also support for organizations investigating violations of digital rights.
He added that helping high-risk users improve their security ultimately benefits the wider public as stronger standards and increased awareness can lead to broader improvements in online safety practices.
Cyr echoed a similar view, noting that research conducted by civil society organizations on advanced spyware campaigns and surveillance tactics can increase public awareness and encourage accountability, policy changes, and stronger protections for internet users.
Surfshark also said businesses should take an active role in supporting initiatives that promote privacy, freedom, and internet security rather than relying solely on commercial products.
The company described collaborations between private businesses and organizations like Amnesty International as an important step toward creating long-term improvements in digital rights and online safety worldwide.
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