{"id":20106764,"date":"2024-11-11T13:01:21","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T12:01:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dabangasudan.org\/?p=20106764"},"modified":"2025-01-17T21:21:23","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T20:21:23","slug":"cyber-attacks-the-latest-weapon-in-sudans-war-on-media","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dabangasudan.org\/en\/all-news\/article\/cyber-attacks-the-latest-weapon-in-sudans-war-on-media","title":{"rendered":"Cyber attacks the latest weapon in Sudan\u2019s war on media"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sudan Media Forum*: Joint Editorial Room<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prepared and edited by Radio Dabanga<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Since the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began clashing on April 15, 2023, independent media\u2014particularly those operating abroad\u2014have become critical sources of information. However, the warring parties have escalated efforts to silence these channels, seeking to enforce a total media blackout.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The warring factions in Sudan are leveraging cyber attacks against independent media<\/a> they cannot reach physically. Last month, the digital newspaper Sudanile<\/em> thwarted a serious hacking attempt<\/a> that took down its website for a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Sudanese Journalists\u2019 Syndicate (SJS), the assault on independent media has intensified<\/a>, with 445 journalists killed<\/a>, detained, tortured, or suffering from destruction of their media facilities. As of November, 25 newspapers, more than seven television stations, and 12 radio stations have reportedly halted operations in Sudan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Medameek<\/em>, Editor-in-chief Montaser Abdelwahid described cyber attacks as a \u201cdistinct form of war aimed at obscuring the truth\u201d. Both sides of the conflict, he said, use extensive propaganda<\/a> to distort public opinion and cover up their actions. \u201cThis war is largely a media war driven by misinformation<\/a>. \u00a0They are killing the truth by obstructing reports on the horrific attacks taking place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith tens of thousands of Sudanese websites and media channels actively spreading disinformation<\/a>\u201d, Abdelwahid said, \u201cwe need coordinated efforts to safeguard the flow of reliable information to the public.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cyber surveillance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Musab Baba, a media consultant and digital protection trainer working with Radio Dabanga, highlighted that digital news platforms have long been a target of government surveillance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUnder the Al Bashir regime<\/a>, authorities worked with foreign firms to silence journalists, employing cyber surveillance, hacking, and social media monitoring.\u201d These tactics have since been adopted by<\/a> SAF and RSF intelligence, who reportedly use advanced technology from Israel and Egypt and rely on security alliances in the UAE, according to Baba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baba explained that Sudanese cybercrime laws now serve as tools to intimidate journalists<\/a> covering the conflict. \u201cIn some cases, authorities have shown journalists their own WhatsApp messages. This is clear evidence of monitoring, and demonstrates severe breaches of privacy and press freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Radio Dabanga\u2019s social media officer, who asked not to be named due to privacy concerns, noted that Dabanga\u2019s Facebook page frequently faces organised mass reporting campaigns, reducing its reach and engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, Sudan Tribune<\/em> editor-in-chief Mohamed Nagi reported recent cyber attacks aimed to intimidate the outlet. \u201cA wave of artificial website traffic drove the site beyond capacity, temporarily shutting it down\u201d, he said, adding that both the SAF and RSF have \u201cmobilised media units to target outlets that deviate from their desired narratives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMany cyber attacks on Sudanese media use phishing tactics, often through malicious links or files sent to administrators\u201d, said digital rights researcher Khattab Hamad. These attacks can exploit security loopholes which, he noted, typically require significant financial and technical resources to resolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to such threats, Medameek<\/em> said it established strict security protocols, including firewalls and digital protection training for staff. Editor-in-chief Abdelwahid stressed the importance of digital security measures, including regular monitoring to detect hacking attempts. He also called for coordinated training on electronic security across Sudanese media outlets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital protection trainer Musab Baba advised journalists to encrypt communications through VPNs and anti-virus software to guard against surveillance. \u201cEnabling two-factor authentication and creating strong, complex passwords are essential steps in securing online accounts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This report is published simultaneously on the platforms of the media and press institutions and organizations that are members of the Sudan Media Forum.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sudan Media Forum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Find the Sudan Media Forum on Facebook<\/a> and on X: #StandWithSudan<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

#SilenceKills<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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*The\u00a0Sudan Media Forum<\/a>\u00a0is a coalition of independent media outlets and organisations including:<\/em>
\u2013 Dabanga \u2013 Radio \/ TV \/ Online
\u2013 Sudanese Journalists Syndicate
\u2013 Sudan Tribune
\u2013 Al-Tayar newspaper
\u2013 Aljreeda Newspaper
\u2013 Sudan-Bukra Media Org
\u2013 Altaghyeer newspaper
\u2013 Ayin Network
\u2013 Alrakoba.net
\u2013 Sudanile.com
\u2013 Journalists for Human Rights \u2013 JHR \u2013 Sudan
\u2013 Female Journalists Network-Sudan
\u2013 The Democrat Newspaper
\u2013 Hala Radio \u2013 96 FM
\u2013 Radio (PRO FM) 106.6
\u2013 Medameek newspaper
\u2013 Darfur 24
\u2013 Al-Ayam Center for Cultural Studies and Development
\u2013 Teeba Press
\u2013 Alalg Center for Press Service
\u2013 Sudanese Center for Research, Training, and Development Services
\u2013 Article Center for Training and Media Production
\u2013 mashaweer-news.com
\u2013 Sudans Reporters
\u2013 Televzyon Platform<\/p>\n