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Bridging the Gap Between Physical and Digital Security Risks: Protecting people, places, and data

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Published:
22 April 2026
Region:
Global
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Bridging the Gap Between Physical and Digital Security Risks: Protecting people, places, and data

The intersection of physical and digital security is where real-world operations, people, and assets depend directly on digital systems, and where a problem in one domain can quickly compromise the other. This convergence is especially important for national NGOs, which often operate in fragile states, work closely with vulnerable populations, and may face both state and non-state adversaries.

In many cases, these organisations also operate with limited security budgets and rely heavily on national staff who may themselves face personal risks because of their work. As a result, weaknesses in digital systems can quickly translate into physical threats to staff, partners, beneficiaries, and operational facilities (and vice versa), making integrated security management essential.

This guide has been developed to help national NGOs understand and manage the convergence of physical and digital security risks, and support a more joined-up approach to managing them.

The guide provides an overview of:

  • Who and what can cause harm;
  • Common digital and physical risks (and how they are connected); and
  • How these converging risks can be managed.

Download the guide using the yellow button on the left.

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