Understanding the Rise of Digital Abuse: A Call to Action for Cybersecurity in Pakistan
Nighat Dad, a notable figure in the realm of digital rights, emerged from a conservative environment in Jhang, located in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Growing up in a family that valued traditional norms, she found herself under the looming threat of an early marriage. Nonetheless, her parents prioritized education and moved the family to Karachi to ensure she could complete her bachelor’s degree. Reflecting on her upbringing, she recounts, “I never really thought I would work because I was never taught that we could work and be independent.”
Despite her academic achievements, Dad’s apprehensions about independence were realized post-graduation when her family arranged her marriage. Initially, she accepted her new life, which revolved around domestic responsibilities, until she began facing domestic abuse. It was during this tumultuous period that her legal training prompted her to question the wrongdoing of her situation. She stated, “Our laws, our constitution, everything protects me, so why was I facing this? Why was I tolerating it?” This realization galvanized her to take action—with her family’s support, she left her husband and initiated divorce proceedings.
However, the road ahead was fraught with challenges, particularly battling low self-esteem stemming from years of domestic violence and a lack of work experience. The complexities of navigating her divorce became further pronounced when her ex-husband sought custody of their infant child. Faced with the looming threat of a custody battle, she was reminded by her father of her own qualifications as a lawyer. Armed with her degree, Dad successfully secured custody of her child, a significant victory that illuminated the pervasive issues women endure in Pakistan, including systemic abuse and a stark digital divide.
Prior to her marriage, Dad was denied access to a personal cell phone, a restriction that created an environment of isolation. Once she obtained a phone, it became a tool for her husband’s surveillance, limiting her freedom to communicate. This experience revealed to her the significant role technology plays in empowering marginalized communities, particularly women who face societal restrictions. She observed, “Facing those restrictions made me understand just how crucial it is to challenge societal norms and structures around women’s access to technology and the internet.”
In response to the growing digital challenges, Dad established the Digital Rights Foundation in 2012, a non-governmental organization dedicated to addressing the digital divide and combating online abuse directed towards women and gender minorities in Pakistan. Initially focusing on providing support to women seeking help, the organization has evolved significantly. Notably, in 2016, coinciding with the passage of federal legislation against online crimes in Pakistan, the Digital Rights Foundation rolled out a cyber-harassment helpline. By 2023, the helpline had received over 16,000 complaints, thus highlighting the critical demand for resources in this area.
This narrative underscores the urgent need to enhance cybersecurity awareness and preventative measures to protect vulnerable populations from digital abuse. As evidenced by incidents reflected in the rising complaints, adversaries may employ various tactics from the MITRE ATT&CK framework, such as initial access through social engineering or exploitation of vulnerabilities, making it imperative for organizations to fortify their digital infrastructures. The convergence of personal experiences and systemic challenges as delineated by Dad not only illustrates the plight of many women in Pakistan but also signals a clarion call for greater action and responsibility on the part of both governmental bodies and private sector organizations in strengthening cybersecurity and promoting safe digital environments.
