About "Cyber Peace"

Jessica Walton works with CyberPeace, an NGO that offers free cyber security advice to civil society organizations worldwide.to protect themselves from crooks on the Internet.

In the digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical problem. Project Save the World’s video series produced its 672^nd episode, "Cyber Peace" on April 15, 2025, Metta Spencer, the host, engaged in a spirited conversation with Jessica Walton, the U.S. Regional Officer for the Cyber Peace Institute. This dialogue addressed the multifaceted challenges and potential solutions of cybersecurity, particularly as they pertain to nonprofit organizations and global policy.

The conversation began with Metta expressing her long-standing interest in Cyber Peace, an organization she had been seeking to connect with for nearly a year. Her frustration with the lack of contact information for such organizations underscored a broader issue in the cybersecurity sector: the challenge of engaging the public and fostering transparency. This initial grievance set the stage for a deeper exploration of the potential influence of organizations like Cyber Peace in bridging the gap between technical cybersecurity experts and the general public.

Free Help for Nonprofits

Jessica Walton, based in Miami but with extensive experience in Washington, D.C., provided a comprehensive overview of the Cyber Peace Institute's mission and operations. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the institute focuses on providing free cybersecurity services to nonprofits worldwide. Walton's role involves directing projects and programs specifically for the U.S. and the Americas, highlighting the global scope of the institute's efforts.

One of the key issues raised in the conversation was the vulnerability of nonprofits to cyber attacks, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Walton recounted how the institute swiftly pivoted to protect healthcare organizations from ransomware attacks, emphasizing the life-and-death stakes involved in cybersecurity. Ransomware, as explained by Walton, involves attackers locking victims out of their systems until a ransom is paid, often targeting organizations with critical functions like healthcare.

Jessica Walton

The Cyber Peace Institute's approach to addressing these challenges is multifaceted. Walton discussed the institute's volunteer program, which engages cybersecurity experts from industry to donate their time and skills. This initiative not only provides essential services to nonprofits but also offers professionals the opportunity to work on diverse problem sets and contribute to meaningful causes, enhancing their job satisfaction and professional development.

However, this model also presents challenges. The reliance on volunteers from industry raises questions about sustainability and scalability. While the program has been successful, with 1,400 volunteers across 52 countries, ensuring consistent engagement and managing the diverse needs of nonprofits around the world requires robust coordination and resource allocation.

Another critical issue discussed was the role of cyber hygiene in preventing attacks. Walton emphasized the importance of basic practices such as strong password management and recognizing phishing attempts. These measures, while seemingly simple, are often the weakest link in organizational cybersecurity, particularly among nonprofits where resources and expertise may be limited.

The Quest for a Cyber Treaty

The conversation also delved into the policy dimensions of cybersecurity. Walton highlighted the institute's involvement in international institutions like the UN and the Open-ended Working Group on Information and Communication Technologies. This engagement aims to contribute to the development of international cybersecurity policies, which is crucial given the cross-border nature of cyber threats.

Metta Spencer raised concerns about the effectiveness of current international efforts to regulate cyber activities, citing the experiences of Paul Meyer, a retired Canadian