Denver ISSA August 2026 Chapter Meeting (Dinner)

Silenced Online: Cybercrime, Cyberbullying, and the Gendered Cost of Speaking Out in the Digital Age
About this Event

Silenced Online: Cybercrime, Cyberbullying, and the Gendered Cost of Speaking Out in the Digital Age
5:30pm -6:00pm - Networking & Dinner
6:00pm - 7:00pm - Presentation(CPE credits)

In today’s hyperconnected world, digital platforms are often seen as spaces for expression, activism, and community building. However, these same platforms have increasingly become tools for cybercrime and targeted harassment. In this talk, I explore how cyberbullying is not only widespread but also deeply gendered, with women facing disproportionate attacks that target their character, morality, and identity rather than their ideas.

Drawing from the recent Gen-Z protests in Nepal, I examine how young voices, especially those of women, are quickly silenced through online abuse when they challenge dominant ideologies. The ease of anonymity and rapid spread of content has made it dangerously simple to attack individuals, creating an environment of fear, self-censorship, and reputational harm.

This session will highlight how cyber harassment functions as a mechanism to suppress dissent, reinforce societal biases, and limit inclusive participation in public discourse. By connecting cybersecurity with social responsibility, I aim to shed light on the urgent need for safer digital spaces and more accountable online behavior. Ultimately, this talk calls for a shift in how we understand and address cybercrime, not just as a technical issue, but as a critical social and ethical challenge.

Speaker: Bhumika Tripathi

I am an international student from Nepal currently pursuing a degree in Information Systems at the University of Colorado Denver. My academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of cybersecurity, digital ethics, and the societal impact of emerging technologies. Through my mentorship with Global Information Security (GIS), I have gained hands-on exposure to cybersecurity practices and developed a deeper understanding of the evolving digital threat landscape. Recently, I had the opportunity to compete in an ISACA case competition, where my team secured first place for our presentation on the impact of deepfakes and artificial intelligence on financial institutions. This experience strengthened my ability to analyze complex cyber risks and communicate them effectively to diverse audiences.

Coming from a global perspective, I am particularly passionate about addressing issues such as cybercrime and cyberbullying, especially how digital platforms can be used to silence voices and reinforce gender bias. I aim to use my voice to raise awareness, encourage responsible digital behavior, and advocate for safer and more inclusive online spaces.

ISSA would like to thank Black Kite, Varonis, Forescout, Armis, Rapid7, and Savvy our annual sponsors.