Cyberattacks do not discriminate—they can impact anyone, regardless of their background. These attacks endanger civilians, disrupt critical sectors, undermine humanitarian and development assistance, and drive violent conflict. Until our world leaders take meaningful action to protect our shared digital space, we are all #StillVulnerable.
Below is a collection of real stories from people who have been personally impacted by disruptive and dangerous cyberattacks. Please read these experiences to see why it is so important to keep our internet from becoming a battlefield.
David Haigh | Kelsay Irby | Richard Sneed | Viktor Zhora | Lama Fakih | Tim Brown | Heidi Kühn | Matthew Earl | Erika Gutierres | Gurmehar Kaur | UVM Medical Center Patient | Lincoln College Student | Crypto Investor
David Haigh
June 9, 2023
Human rights lawyer David Haigh shares what it means to be the first confirmed British citizen targeted by NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware.
Kelsay Irby
February 2, 2023
St. Michael’s Medical Center nurse Kelsay Irby shares her intense experience treating patients while facing an unforgiving ransomware attack.
Richard Sneed
November 10, 2022
Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Richard Sneed shares how a severe ransomware attack wreaked havoc on his tribal community.
Viktor Zhora
June 22, 2022
As the Deputy Head of Ukraine’s cybersecurity agency SSSCIP, Viktor Zhora offers a firsthand account of fighting in a historic hybrid war.
Lama Fakih
June 21, 2022
Human Rights Watch Director Lama Fakih brings to life the real dangers of NSO Group’s invasive spyware Pegasus.
TIM BROWN
June 20, 2022
SolarWinds Chief Information Security Officer Tim Brown shares what it means to find yourself caught in one of the most prolific cyberattacks to date.
Heidi Kühn
June 19, 2022
Roots of Peace Founder Heidi Kühn fights to keep her dream alive after a shameful cyberattack targets her nonprofit organization.
Matthew Earl
June 18, 2022
ShadowFall Capital & Research Managing Partner Matthew Earl recollects what it’s like to be digitally hunted by cyber mercenaries.
Erika Gutierres
June 17, 2022
JBS employee and single mother of three Erika Gutierres describes how a headline-grabbing ransomware attack disrupted her life.
Gurmehar Kaur
June 16, 2022
Human rights activist and Digital Peace Now Global Ambassador Gurmehar Kaur opens up about her experience falling victim to a sophisticated phishing campaign.
UVM Medical Center Patient
June 15, 2022
A University of Vermont Medical Center patient illustrates how a ransomware attack can hold healthcare services hostage.
LINCOLN COLLEGE STUDENT
June 14, 2022
After Lincoln College shuts its doors in part due to a cyberattack, a student is left wondering what’s next.
CRYPTO INVESTOR
June 13, 2022
A phishing attack reels in a marketing professional and crypto investor. This is his anonymous story.
#StillVulnerable, which sheds light on the destabilizing risks of cyberattacks, began under Digital Peace Now. As of 2024, AfP is proud to host this campaign that builds awareness of cyberattacks that disrupt our daily life and the stability of the modern world.