Get off your high horse : How your expertise doesn't matter in an IPV context

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This interactive workshop is designed for cybersecurity professionals and students at all levels - beginner to expert - who want to expand their understanding of how cybersecurity concepts can be applied to assist vulnerable communities.

The workshop uses intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors as a case study, illustrating the importance of tailoring digital security practices to meet the unique needs of this population. Drawing on real-world scenarios and insights from experts, the session emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed approach to cybersecurity, but also humility, adaptability, and collaboration in establishing threat models, helping people secure their digital life and designing systems, policies, and support mechanisms that truly prioritize their safety.

Through a combination of conceptual discussions and hands-on exercises, the workshop will challenge participants to critically examine how conventional expertise, rigid frameworks, and assumed best practices often fail to address the unique needs of vulnerable and high-risk communities.

This workshop will be led by members of Lab2038, a research and development collective specializing in cybersecurity, digital rights, and privacy. Lab2038 works at the intersection of technology and social justice, designing security solutions that prioritize marginalized communities. Their work bridges the gap between technical security measures and real-world needs, advocating for inclusive and adaptive digital security practices.


Corinne Pulgar Collaborator, Lab2038

Corinne Pulgar brings a unique blend of technical expertise and social awareness to the field of digital security. With a Master's in Software Engineering from École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS) and a Bachelor's in Computer Science from Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), they possess a deep understanding of software development and security. They have shown a steadfast commitment to education through their contributions as a project manager and InfoSec at Lab2038 and a teaching assistant and lecturer at multiple institutions, including McGill University, ETS and UQAM. Their ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible knowledge has made them a sought-after lecturer and mentor.

Corinne’s research, presented at conferences and published in journals, focuses on model-driven software engineering and DevOps, demonstrating their innovative approach to software development. Their work at the intersection of technology and inclusivity reflects their dedication to leveraging their technical expertise for social good, specifically in enhancing digital privacy and security for vulnerable groups. Their unique perspective, combining technical acumen with a passion for social impact, makes them an ideal speaker to address the critical issue of digital privacy in the context of IPV.