Sarah Aoun

Sarah Aoun is a privacy and security researcher, working at the intersection of technology and social justice. Her work primarily focuses on providing privacy and security for vulnerable populations around the world.

Most recently, she was the chief transformation officer (CTO) and vice president of security at the Open Technology Fund, an organization that funds projects and technology focused on countering censorship and surveillance. She led the organization’s efforts to identify and track emerging threats, and to advance the field of information security for journalists, human rights defenders, and high risk individuals.

Sarah has worked as an independent operational security and counter surveillance trainer, and has trained countless activists, journalists, and high-risk individuals. She has served as a cybersecurity consultant for dozens of U.S. and international NGOs, helping them implement strategic and operational oversight for information security management, minimizing risks, and establishing stronger safety norms.

During her fellowship, she will be conducting research on the spyware industry’s impact on civil society and the human rights field.