GIoT: CryptoParty, 22 November

UCL’s Gender and IoT (G-IoT) research team are organising a “CryptoParty” (digital security training) followed by a panel discussion with policymakers, charity representatives, and technologists on the 22nd of November from 6-9pm in London. The session coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The G-IoT team has been working together with the London VAWG Consortium, the PETRAS IoT Hub, and Privacy International to investigate the risks of “tech abuse” associated with the Internet of Things (including technologies such as “smart” meters, locks and cameras).

Their research has uncovered a lack of awareness of these risks among both statutory and voluntary organisations that provide support to survivors of domestic abuse. There is also a lack of technical capacity when it comes to advising survivors on how they can protect themselves against tech abuse. This is concerning because of the expected uptake of Internet of Things devices in the future.

To address this knowledge gap, the research team is running a CryptoParty for frontline workers, support organisations, and the police. The event will consist of a practical training session where participants will learn about issues like internet browser, data and phone security, which will be delivered by members of the team including external security specialists.

The practical training session will be followed by a public discussion. The panel will include:

• Shari Vahl (Reporter and Presenter for BBC Radio 4) as moderator
• Andrew Laughlin (Principal Researcher, Which?)
• Vivienne Hayes (London VAWG Consortium and CEO, Women’s Resource Centre)
• Martin Sadler OBE (Chair DCMS Secure by Design Expert Advisory Group and Former VP for Research and Lab Director, Hewlett Packard Enterprise)
• Leonie Tanczer (Lead Researcher, Gender and IoT, UCL)

More details about the event and how to sign up can be found at UCL STEaPP’s event page.