Cybersecurity

As the adoption of digital technologies rapidly advances across the globe and increasing economic prosperity in many countries becomes intricately linked to Internet connectivity, we face a dilemma. How do we ensure that this digital transformation is built on technology that is open and secure, promotes inclusive growth, fosters resilient and democratic societies, and empowers all, including the most vulnerable? In other words, how do we make sure that technology isn’t used to monitor populations, restrict citizens’ access to information, and exploit the vulnerability of a workforce not trained to combat data breaches and cyber attacks?


Through several initiatives, including the whole-of-government Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership, Digital Frontiers is providing cybersecurity upskilling to citizens, small businesses, and civil society organizations; crafting cybersecurity legislation for partner country governments; and helping USAID deepen their understanding of cyber threats while supporting their efforts to incorporate cybersecurity throughout the Agency's programming.


Learn more about our activities below.

Activities

Advancing Timor-Leste’s Autonomous Telecommunications Landscape (ATLATL)

ATLATL, an activity under the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership, is working to promote business-friendly policy and investment in the ICT sector in Timor-Leste. Through ATLATL, Digital Frontiers has supported the drafting of legislation related to cybercrime and data privacy/data protection.

Learn more here.

Digital Asia Accelerator (DAA)

DAA, an activity under the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership, works with partners and key stakeholders in Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Indonesia, and Mongolia to advance the use of digital skills for micro-, small-, and medium-sized businesses and help citizens stay safe online. DAA has implemented several cybersecurity awareness campaigns in the region to promote digital security tips and tricks and encourage citizens to practice responsible digital citizenship.

Learn more here.

Digital Strategy

In countries where USAID operates, governments, private sector, civil society, and individuals are increasingly adopting digital tools and services without the necessary resources to combat cyber vulnerabilities that come with increased digitalization. Strengthening cybersecurity is a guiding practice of USAID’s 2020 – 2024 Digital Strategy, which identifies cybersecurity as a first-order strategic and operational priority for the Agency’s programming to mitigate the risks stemming from accelerated digital technology adoption. The Digital Frontiers Digital Strategy team supports USAID in their efforts to advance this goal across the Agency.

Learn more here.

Electoral Cybersecurity

Digital Frontiers is working with USAID's Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Office to deepen their knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity, digital authoritarianism, elections cybersecurity, and disinformation.

Promoting American Approaches to ICT Policy and Regulation (ProICT)

Through ProICT, an activity under the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership, USAID provides dedicated technical assistance, including embedded experts for receptive host country ministries and regulatory bodies to assist in the design, development, and implementation of ICT policies.

Learn more here.

South Asia Regional Digital Initiative (SARDI)

Implemented through the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP), SARDI is working to improve digital connectivity in the South Asia region, strengthen the private sector and civil society’s digital capacity, and improve their ability to engage on ICT policy issues. SARDI is particularly focused on cybersecurity capacity-building, advocacy, and awareness raising to increase safe access to digital tools for small- and medium-sized enterprises and civil society organizations.

Learn more here.

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