Ronald Deibert, director of the Citizen Lab, took extensive precautions in April 2025 when traveling to Illinois, purchasing new electronic devices upon arrival to mitigate the risk of surveillance. Deibert's work at the Citizen Lab, a research center at the University of Toronto, focuses on investigating cyberthreats in the public interest, making him a potential target. "I’m traveling under the assumption that I am being watched, right down to exactly where I am at any moment," Deibert stated.

Founded in 2001, the Citizen Lab operates as a counterintelligence service for civil society, exposing digital abuses over the past two decades. The institution is one of the few that focuses exclusively on cyberthreats that impact the public. Deibert and his colleagues have historically viewed the United States as a benchmark for liberal democracy, but their perspective is evolving.

The Citizen Lab's investigations delve into sophisticated surveillance technologies and their deployment against civil society organizations, journalists, and human rights defenders. Their work involves reverse engineering malware, analyzing network traffic, and tracing the origins of cyberattacks. These investigations often require significant technical expertise and resources.

The implications of Citizen Lab's findings extend to the tech industry, prompting companies to address vulnerabilities in their products and services. Their research also informs policy debates on surveillance and digital security. The Citizen Lab advocates for greater transparency and accountability in the development and use of surveillance technologies.

Deibert's efforts highlight the increasing importance of digital security for individuals and organizations operating in sensitive areas. The Citizen Lab continues its work, monitoring the evolving landscape of cyberthreats and advocating for stronger protections for civil society.