Minds of the Movement

An ICNC blog on the people and power of civil resistance

Lisha Sterling

Lisha Sterling is executive director of Geeks Without Bounds, a nonprofit organization supporting open source technology in low resource situations through education, hackathons, and an accelerator program to help promising humanitarian technology projects become sustainable. She is also on the board of directors at Frontline Wellness United and provides cybersecurity training and advice to activists, lawyers, and healthcare professionals.

Writings from Lisha Sterling

Articles

Ideas & Trends

Insider Threats: A Closer Look at Infiltrators and Movement Security Culture

In activist circles, sooner or later people can become concerned about the possibility of infiltrators in our midst. During intense periods of activity, I know of times when that concern has become nearly overwhelming. People look at others with suspicion, and mistakes, missteps, or miscommunications by a friend can become a source of doubt. It’s important to note that at such times, the fear of infiltrators itself can become a poison of its own. […]

Read More
Ideas & Trends

Deciphering Encryption, for Activists and Movement Allies

If the police came and took your computer, would they be able to read all your documents and gain access to your activist contacts? If you’re using the public WiFi in a coffee shop, can someone else read the email you’re writing to organize your next nonviolent action? […]

Read More
Movement Commentary

Facebook, Twitter, Telegram: Considerations for Activists and Organizers

Facebook is a marvelous tool for civil resistance organizing, but it can also be a dangerous place for activists. Which social media tools to use and how are strategic decisions that activists must make. The purpose of this blog post is to help you assess risks of using Facebook and other social media tools in your activism.

Read More
Ideas & Trends

Practitioners of Civil Resistance: Assess Your Cybersecurity through Threat Modeling

Most activists and other practitioners of civil resistance realize that governments can use various methods of digital surveillance to find and silence dissenters. The question of how to protect ourselves can seem overwhelming. Wherever you look there are different and often contradictory recommendations. It can all seem too complicated, just impossible to keep up with. What you need is a framework to help you make good security decisions […]

Read More

Sign up for our twice-monthly blog newsletter