Episode 15: Ionatan Waisgluss

“The internet is a very hostile environment,” explains cybersecurity professional and investigator Ionatan Waisgluss from British Columbia. This isn’t news to many Disabled women, gender diverse folks and other marginalized communities.

In fact, the online world is rapidly becoming more toxic and dangerous, with a 72% increase of hate in digital spaces, according to a recent report by the Canadian Women’s Foundation. Another finding states that one in five Canadian women experience online harassment.

Additionally, since the pandemic, online scams, fraud ,cyberbullying and cyberstalking have risen exponentially. Disabled, chronically ill and neurodivergent people are at increased risk — and that’s not even considering the gaps that exist in basic online accessibility.

Ionatan uses plain language to give practical tips and suggests useful resources that Disabled people can learn about to keep safer online. He also discusses best practices for making online tools and spaces accessible for all people. Great to see such a caring and committed community ally. I think I learned as much as listeners will learn from this conversation with Ionatan!

“So, I would say three words: ‘seek to understand,’ by which I mean seek to understand others’ experience. Like try to put yourself in other people’s shoes or try to understand what other people’s experience might be like, how they experience the world.

And I think that if we try to do that and surround ourselves with a diversity of perspectives and experiences, then we’ll be able to look at the world through another lens and not just the way that we see it.

I think that inevitably leads to more empathy and more caring about other people when you have a sense of what their experience is actually like.
And not just guess, but talk to people and put yourself in different situations.”
Ionatan Waisgluss

About this Episode

Episode Title: Navigating Online Accessibility and Safety: Guidance for the Disability Community with Ionatan Waisgluss (S1E15)

Episode Summary: In this episode of Finding Avalon, Jenna Barnable speaks with ally Ionatan Waisgluss, a private investigator and cybersecurity professional, about the intersection of online accessibility and safety, and why it matters to the Disability community.

They discuss the importance of accessibility in digital spaces, the risks faced by Disabled people online, and practical advice for protecting privacy. Numerous helpful resources and tools are mentioned (links below).

The conversation also touches on cyberbullying and cyberstalking and the growing issue of digital hate and harassment of women, gender diverse and other marginalized people in Canada. Ionatan emphasizes the need for allyship and understanding in creating safer online environments for all.

Takeaways

The importance of allyship in supporting Disabled people cannot be understated.
Accessibility and safety in digital spaces are crucial for inclusion and equity.
Organizations, businesses and the community must make accessibility a priority so that all people can use online tools and receive information and support.
Disabled people face unique online risks that need to be addressed.
Privacy protection is essential in the digital age.
“The internet is a very hostile environment.”
The Canadian Women’s Foundation recently reported that 1 in 5 Canadian women experience online harassment. They noted a shocking 72 % increase of hate in digital spaces, including a targeting of marginalized communities.
Documentation is key when dealing with online harassment.
Staying offline is not a viable solution for those targeted online.
Understanding the risks of oversharing personal information is vital.
Cyber harassment is a growing concern for Disabled and other marginalized communities.
Empathy and understanding are essential for disability inclusion.
Cybersecurity awareness is essential for all communities.
“We all have the right to use online spaces.”
Privacy rights exist under federal and provincial laws.
Mental health support is vital for those facing online threats.
Consulting with cybersecurity professionals can enhance online safety.
Diversity in cybersecurity is necessary for effective advocacy.

Listen to Episode 15 here

Episode 15: Ionatan Waisgluss is available wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for supporting a disabled creator with a follow, share, comment and like!