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Understanding digital abuse, cybersecurity risks, and technology-enabled harm.

Digital Abuse Women's Network (DAWN) exists to help individuals and organizations recognize digital risks early, understand how cyber threats operate, and learn how to protect themselves through education and awareness.

About Digital Abuse & Cyber Risk

Is Something Wrong With Your Digital Security?

You don't need to be a technical expert to sense when something feels off.

Do you notice things like:

Accounts being accessed or locked unexpectedly
Passwords no longer working without explanation
Unrecognized login alerts or security notifications
Emails or messages sent from your accounts that you didn't send
Devices running unusually slow or behaving erratically
Financial accounts showing unfamiliar activity
Feeling overwhelmed or confused by technology you rely on
Being told "it's probably nothing" despite repeated issues

These can be signs of poor security practices, compromised accounts, or unmanaged digital risk.

What Is Digital Abuse?

Digital abuse refers to the misuse of technology to monitor, harass, exploit, manipulate, or gain unauthorized access to another person's data, accounts, or digital identity.

It can occur through:

Email, messaging apps, and social platforms
Shared devices, passwords, or cloud accounts
Financial, medical, or personal data systems
Workplace or organizational technology

Digital abuse does not always involve advanced hacking. In many cases, it results from weak passwords, reused credentials, phishing, social engineering, or lack of security awareness.

Common Forms of Digital Abuse & Cyber Risk

Examples include:

Account takeovers through stolen or reused passwords
Phishing emails or messages designed to trick users into revealing information
Unauthorized access to email, cloud storage, or social media
Identity theft and financial fraud
Surveillance through shared devices or accounts
Data breaches caused by poor security controls
Ransomware and business email compromise
Misuse of administrative access or shared credentials

These issues affect individuals, families, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes.

What Causes Digital Abuse and Cyber Incidents?

Cyber incidents are rarely caused by a single mistake. They typically result from a combination of factors, such as:

Lack of cybersecurity education or awareness
Over-reliance on technology without understanding risk
Weak or reused passwords
Absence of multi-factor authentication
Unpatched systems and outdated software
Social engineering and manipulation tactics
Limited IT oversight or unmanaged systems

Most cyber incidents are preventable with basic education and proactive practices.

Why Is It Hard to Address Digital Risk?

Many people delay addressing cybersecurity concerns because:

Technology feels intimidating or overly complex
Problems are minimized until real damage occurs
There is uncertainty about whom to trust
Security responsibilities are unclear
Costs or resources feel prohibitive
People assume cybercrime "won't happen to them"

Unfortunately, digital threats often escalate quietly over time if left unaddressed.

Learn From Trusted Authorities

DAWN encourages learning from established, credible cybersecurity organizations:

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Practical guidance for individuals and organizations on cyber threats and prevention
https://www.cisa.gov

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Industry-standard frameworks for managing cybersecurity risk
https://www.nist.gov/cybersecurity

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Consumer protection and identity theft resources
https://www.identitytheft.gov

DAWN's Role

DAWN is an education and awareness platform.

We do not provide emergency services, investigations, legal advice, or IT support.

Our goal is to help you:

Understand digital risks
Ask better security questions
Recognize when professional help may be needed
Navigate cybersecurity with clarity and confidence