ISOC Rwanda celebrates Global Encryption Day 2024, calls for strong data protection practices

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

The Internet Society Rwanda Chapter (ISOC Rwanda) marked Global Encryption Day 2024 with a significant event held at G.S Nyirarukobwa in the Ntarama sector, Bugesera District, on October 16, 2024.

The celebration, themed “Understanding the Role of Encryption in Protecting Personal Data and Securing Online Communications”, brought together teachers, students, and parents to promote awareness of the critical role encryption plays in safeguarding personal data and ensuring secure online communications.

Global Encryption Day, celebrated annually, unites civil society organizations, businesses, technologists, and internet users worldwide to advocate for strong encryption practices.

This year’s event in Bugesera focused on educating the local digital community about encryption, data protection, and online security.

Jules Nizeyimana, Vice Chairperson of ISOC Rwanda, led discussions, explaining encryption in detail and how it can help protect personal data while navigating various online platforms. He emphasized the importance of starting data security at home.

 

“Security of personal data starts from home. Encryption is a way of hiding your personal data and information,” Nizeyimana explained, offering insights into different types of encryption, including end-to-end encryption commonly used in apps like WhatsApp.

“A strong password should not involve your name or family members’ names. It should consist of at least 12 characters, including a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special symbols. Your personal information will be better protected from intrusions or hackers,” he added.

Nizeyimana stressed that encryption is for everyone, not just high-tech users. “Almost all digital devices today have encryption capabilities. For example, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption prevents third parties from accessing your conversations. We must make use of encryption to secure our data.”

To further protect personal information, Nizeyimana encouraged attendees to activate two-step verification on messaging apps like WhatsApp. He highlighted that effective data protection relies on three core principles: confidentiality, integrity, and availability, ensuring data remains original, trustworthy, and accessible only to authorized users.

Community Reflections on Data Security

Emmanuel Mfitumukiza, Chairperson of ISOC Rwanda, reminded the community to regularly assess how they store and share personal data, such as photos, and to apply encryption to prevent hacking.

“You must learn how to use WhatsApp before fully engaging with it. You need to understand basic settings that can help secure your information. Even hackers start with the details you provide during installation, so don’t give them an entry,” Mfitumukiza advised.

He added, “The internet was created for innovation, but it’s not the government’s role to control everything. You also have a responsibility to protect your online data. Review the platforms you use and how you use them, and let’s continue using the internet safely.”

Several parents at the event expressed their newfound understanding of data protection.

Asterie Kayitesi, a parent from G.S Nyirarukobwa, shared her experience: “I used to navigate WhatsApp without really understanding why certain features like ‘last seen’ or ‘online’ status appeared. I didn’t realize someone could steal my account.”

Colombe Uwizeyimana, another parent, reiterated: “We have learned a lot about how to use our phones. You may have seen someone post your photo without you giving it to them. Now, we know how to protect our photos from being used by others and safeguard our information in general.”

Jeremie Habineza, the parents’ representative at G.S Nyirarukobwa, emphasized how crucial this knowledge is for the community.

“We used to encounter scams in digital applications, but today, with the explanations and lessons learned, we now understand how to protect our personal data and information.”

The event was held in partnership with the Global Encryption Coalition and the Internet Society Foundation, aligning Rwanda’s digital community with global efforts to promote and defend strong encryption. The goal is to empower users to secure their online interactions and protect their personal data in an increasingly interconnected world.

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