14 April 2023 I PuntoGal and the Global Cyber Alliance presented this afternoon at the headquarters of the Colexio de Xornalistas a Galician version of the toolkit designed for the protection of the data of the members, but which is available to any interested user. This is the second toolkit to be presented in its Galician version, after a specific one for SMEs that was published last autumn.
The toolkit portal is an adapted version of the ‘ToolKit’ published by the Global Cyber Alliance, which complies utilities that can be used free of charge and that ensure the security of communications and data storage in professional activities as well as in the leisure time and private communications of journalists.
A secure domain
The president of PuntoGal, Manuel González, pointed out that “this toolkit, already the second one we publish in coordination with the GCA, allows journalism professionals to take a first step in the diagnosis and prevention of possible security problems”. González finally commented that “these activities are part of the domain’s effort to become a safe space for all its users, which also includes protection through the Domain Trust platform, a project promoted by the GCA to facilitate the exchange of information on malicious domains, one of the essential infrastructures used by cybercrime”.
Valeria Pereiras, from the Governing Board of the Colexio de Xornalistas commented that ‘the ease of use of the tools and the fact that they are free and multiplatform will make them easier to use and encourage professionals to keep their computers and networks safe’. In this sense, he reminded that ‘many journalists telework, maintain their computers and do not have the support of systems departments that care about security’ and that tools such as those presented today by PuntoGal ‘cover a need that many journalists feel in the care of our work instruments, more complex and exposed every day’. He also stressed that the professional association is in talks with the GCA for the implementation of webinars and other collaborations between the two entities.
Workshops for journalists
Marina Calvo, from the Global Cyber Alliance commented that ‘Galicia is committed to cybersecurity. The strategy until 2030 has very clear objectives in terms of promoting a global, open, reliable and secure space for all citizens. The Global Cyber Alliance, in collaboration with our partners, can help those of you who are building your future. We are very proud to continue to contribute together to the advancement of digital Galicia.’ Quoting Brian Cute, C&R programme manager of the Global Cyber Alliance, she also said: ‘As a follow-up to the launch of the journalists’ toolkit portal, we will hold a workshop to present the toolkit in depth and identify cybersecurity issues relevant to journalists: for example, the importance of using online tools, understanding basic cybersecurity concepts, main cyber threats to journalists, recommendations and best practices, as well as the use of cybersecurity tools and resources’.
Edita de Lorenzo, Vice-President of Colexio Oficial e Asociación de Enxeñeiros de Telecomunicación, highlighted ‘the commitment of telecommunications professionals to telecommunications security, taking into account the importance of the data that we move every day on the networks and the protection they require’. She also commented that ‘although many sectors are aware of the logical security of the systems, we often forget the physical part of the networks and their management, in which many of us are involved’.
Gustavo Herva, from AMTEGA, for his part, highlighted that ‘in Galicia, according to the last Report on Cybercrime of 2022, 20% of the total number of offences were frauds through telematic means.This figure of almost 19.000 telematic scams includes not only those that are known but, unfortunately, it is expected that many more will occur.’ He also stressed that ‘we must continue working to promote public-private collaboration and intensify actions aimed at strengthening cybersecurity in Galicia and improving skills in the use of technology.’
About PuntoGal
PuntoGal is the managing entity of the Galician domain since 2014. Established in 2006, it works in three main areas: domain management, representation of Galicia in international network management bodies and corporate actions to support initiatives in the field of technology, the network, language and culture. There are currently around 6,900 registered .gal domains. For more information: .gal domain.
About the Global Cyber Alliance
The Global Cyber Alliance is an international, cross-sector initiative dedicated to the mission of reducing cyber risk and improving the interconnected world we live in. We do this by uniting communities around the world under our mission, implementing concrete solutions and measuring results. The GCA, incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in the United States and as a non-profit organisation in the United Kingdom and Belgium, was founded in September 2015 by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the City of London Police and the Centre for Internet Safety. For more information: globalcyberalliance.org.
About the Colexio de Xornalistas
The Colexio Profesional de Xornalistas de Galicia (CPXG) is a public law entity created by Law 2/1999 of the Galician Parliament with more than 1,100 members distributed among its seven districts. One of its main objectives is to improve the conditions in which journalists carry out their work, the professional defence of its members and the guarantee of independence and freedom of information for the benefit of Galician society. For more information: xornalistas.gal
About the Colexio de Enxeñeiros de Telecomunicacións
The Official College and the Galician Association of Telecommunications Engineers contribute to the progress of Galician society through the dissemination and promotion of Information and Communication Technologies. They help the development of the professional activity of engineers and their integration in the labour markets. They promote scientific research and technological development and advise public administrations, official corporations and individuals. They also carry out reports and technical studies and establish and promote relations with similar entities, both national, foreign and supranational. More information at aetg.gal.
About ciber.gal
The Nodo Galego de Ciberseguridade CIBER.gal is a public-private collaboration space formed by the Amtega, the CCN, the INCIBE, the four Galician Provincial Councils and the FEGAMP. In addition to its founding members, it has around 50 public and private entities adhered to it. Thanks to the coordination and availability of the resources of its founders and collaborators, CIBER.gal works to design and execute initiatives for three essential groups: citizens, the business fabric and the public administration. All of them are aimed at improving the level of cybersecurity in the Galician digital environment, raising awareness, training and educating on the importance of cybersecurity at all levels and promoting Galician industry in this field. For more information: ciber.gal
