In Banja Luka, on March 19, 2024, a workshop on cybersecurity titled "Secure the story! / Osiguraj priču!" was held.
It brought together journalists, editors, and other professionals from the media sector to familiarize themselves with the basics of cyber hygiene and best practices for securing digital devices and networks. Nearly twenty participants had the opportunity to expand their knowledge of identifying false information and applying fact-checking techniques and sources.
Additionally, participants discussed strategies for secure communication using secure tools and platforms, as well as encryption methods to protect sensitive communications. Journalists had the opportunity to actively participate through interactive exercises, case studies, and practical application of secure communication tools.
Aleksandar Đurić, CTO in CSEC, spoke about cyber hygiene.
"It's actually a set of habits that we as individuals need to adopt to be safe on the internet. Just as basic hygiene is important to prevent some diseases and maintain integrity, so too does cyber hygiene and the habits we use enhance our defense on the internet, our digital immunity. These are habits that generally make us more protected", said Đurić.
"What's very important is to pay attention to the strength of passwords we use, the amount of data we share with various platforms we interact with. It's very important to use multi-factor authentication so that accounts are secure even in the event of password compromise. It's also important that in case we are compromised, regardless of the protection we have, we have backup systems to restore the infected system to its previous state", he added.
Enes Hodžić, from the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIRN BiH/Detektor), spoke about identifying false information as well as fact-checking techniques.
"Fact-checking is one of the most important things used in the fight against misinformation and generally in protecting journalists from inaccurate information that could leak into the media space. This is especially important in today's times when numerous crises are erupting worldwide and when numerous propaganda machines are trying in various ways to push through their plans and activities through disinformation. It's very important that we protect our readers, listeners, and viewers from the unwanted effects of disinformation", said Hodžić.
The workshop aimed to provide a deeper understanding of key cybersecurity issues and how to integrate them into professional work, with a special emphasis on protecting personal data, identities, and digital resources from cyber attacks.
The organizer was the Center of Excellence in Cyber Security (CSEC), in partnership with the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIRN BiH/Detektor) and Internews.
Media outlets that participated in this event included: RTV Slon - Tuzla, RTV USK, infoVeza, Gerila, IMPULS, eTrafika.net, Micro mreža, and Capital.ba.
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