In March 2024, 7amleh – The Arab Center for Social Media Advancement – released a “Digital Security Manual for Human Rights Defenders and Organizations” (in Arabic). This up-to-date training guide provides step-by-step instructions on protecting privacy and maintaining digital safety for both individuals and NGOs. It covers a range of constantly evolving threats and defenses in a systematic way. The manual’s chapters include Risk Assessment (self-evaluating digital risks and emergency readiness), Digital Preventive Measures (recognizing and countering threats like malware, phishing, surveillance and online harassment), and Digital Protection of devices, networks, communications, accounts and data. There’s even a section on psychosocial resilience, acknowledging the mental health aspect of dealing with digital threats. 7amleh’s guide is freely downloadable and regularly updated, making it highly relevant for Gulf activists who face spyware or hacking attempts. 

See also 7amleh’s Digital Security Platform in Arabic: