Ottavia joined the CyberPeace Institute in 2019. She focuses on creating, implementing and raising awareness of the Institute’s pre-incident services to improve the skills and knowledge of beneficiaries to prepare for cyberattacks. Ottavia has worked across the private and public sectors as a cybersecurity and intelligence consultant and adviser. She has an Masters degree in Cybersecurity, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism from Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.

What made you join the CyberPeace Institute?

I want to empower others with knowledge and skills to be more resilient in cybersecurity, and to educate and protect them from online threats.

What’s your role in PeaceBuilders’ program?

My focus is working with NGOs around the world on awareness initiatives linked to our pre-incident services.

What do you do when you’re not helping others?

I enjoy good food, amazing travel and spending quality time with family, friends and pets. In between, I go for a run or take a nap, but not always in that order.

Alexandru joined the CyberPeace Institute in 2021. He focuses on outreach with humanitarian NGOs in Switzerland and Europe to join the CyberPeace Builders program. Alexandru previously interned for several international organizations, such as the GCSP and Interpeace, where he did research on cybersecurity policy and program management for peacebuilding operations. Alexandru has an Erasmus Mundus International Masters degree in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies from the University of Glasgow, graduating in December 2020.

What made you join the CyberPeace Institute?

The mission of the CyberPeace Institute resonated strongly with me: I am interested in the intersection between digital technologies and peace/humanitarian action, as well as the potential of these technologies to protect people in need and to help them achieve safer livelihoods.

What’s your role in PeaceBuilders’ program?

I’m focused on outreach and strengthening collaboration with humanitarian NGOs in Switzerland and Europe, with the aim of establishing strong partnerships. I also work on helping NGOs identify their cyber needs and on building a strong, long-term relationship based on trust between the NGOs and the Cyber Peace Builders volunteers.

What do you do when you’re not helping others?

I enjoy travelling and taking short city-breaks, discovering new cafés and bookshops and hiking around the Alps. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends, to cycle/exercise, reading and – when I have more time – to sit down and write.

Zarc joined the CyberPeace Institute in 2022, and is based in Nairobi. He focuses on outreach to Humanitarian NGOs across East Africa, to build knowledge of the CyberPeace Builders and support NGOs wanting to join the program.

An IT and cybersecurity specialist with several years experience in the NGO and education sectors in Africa, and expertise in project management, Zarc has an MA in Project Planning Design and Implementation from the University of Nairobi, and MSc in Computer Systems and a BA in Information Technology. Zarc has worked in ICT for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Nairobi for the last 8 years.  Zarc has extensive certifications in cybersecurity from cyber threat management to cybersecurity essentials, gained over the course of the last 5 years. He has been a Virtual Cyber Security Focal Point in the Horn of Africa Region where he conducted Information Security Awareness Training.

What made you join the CyberPeace Builders?

The CyberPeace Builders offers a good opportunity to raise awareness of cybersecurity to non governmental organizations, which has been my passion for many years. I enjoy working in the not for profit sector and supporting organizations that really help people.   

What is your role in CyberPeace Builders?

As the Cybersecurity Specialist for Non-Profits, East Africa, I have the responsibility for building awareness amongst humanitarian NGOs of the free cybersecurity assistance provided by the Institute, onboarding the NGOs, supporting them to identify their cybersecurity needs and identifying the most optimal way to support them. I will also be developing a network of corporate expert volunteers from companies that can be integrated into the CyberPeace Builders program.   

What do you do when you are not helping others?

You will find me on the soccer field or in the park cycling. I am also involved in volunteering and mentorship programs for young university students.

Fabien joined the CyberPeace Institute in 2020. His role is to build up the CyberPeace Builders’ network.

Fabien has several years experience in cybersecurity in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. He managed the Cyber Threat Intelligence Unit at Kudelski Security and then he joined the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as the Information Security Awareness Adviser. He has a Masters of Law in Criminality and Information Security from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland.

What made you join the CyberPeace Institute?

I wanted to use my knowledge and experience to find solutions to help and protect others, and the mission of the CyberPeace Institute offered a great means to do this.

What’s your role in CPI’s PeaceBuilders’ program?

I work with companies, volunteer PeaceBuilders and NGOs to find high-impact, cybersecurity solutions to protect vulnerable communities around the globe.

What do you do when you’re not helping others?

I am a sociable person and enjoy spending time with my family and friends, cooking and running food pop up events.

Adrien joined the Institute in 2020. He has over ten years’ experience in senior cybersecurity roles in the private, public and nonprofit sectors, including at the French Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) and the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). Before joining the Institute, he led the cyber resilience portfolio at the World Economic Forum. Adrien has a Masters of Engineering from the University of Technology in Troyes, France, a Masters in Global Security from Cranfield University, UK and an MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain.

What made you join the CyberPeace Institute?

I have devoted my career to protecting others online. In joining the Institute, I wanted to deepen my impact on people’s lives and do so at scale. When cyberattacks disrupt humanitarian NGOs, vulnerable communities are at threat. Helping those that no one helps is a compelling mission for me.

What’s your role in PeaceBuilders’ program?

My role is a mix of strategy, innovation and implementation. We’re basically building high-tech solutions for underserved communities, operating in a sensitive context. My job involves lots of explaining, negotiating, compromising, prototyping, pitching, and getting things done. I also have the privilege of managing a great team and cooperating with highly skilled professionals! 

What do you do when you’re not helping others?

I spend time with my wife and kids, I travel often to visit family abroad. I play football, the piano and video games, and I read when time allows.