<What is a>

A Digital First Responder (DFR) is not an IT specialist.

They are a colleague who:

• recognises digital risks early,

• supports others when something “doesn’t feel right”,

• knows the first steps to take during a digital incident,

• and helps keep digital safety visible in daily work.

Think of it as the digital equivalent of a workplace First Aid or Safety Officer but focused on suspicious emails, compromised accounts, or unusual system behaviour.

A DFR doesn’t fix the whole incident. They make sure it is noticed, escalated and handled correctly.

<Why this>

Most digital incidents don’t start with hackers they start with human behaviour.

• A reused password.
• A screen left unlocked.
• A link clicked too quickly.

Organizations that work with Digital First Responders notice that digital safety:

• becomes more visible,

• feels less “technical”,

• and incidents are spotted earlier and handled faster.

It strengthens culture, awareness and teamwork not just technology.

<Free>

You can download the complete package here:

• Posters (digital safety basics, lock your screen, “who are the DFRs?”)
• Templates (application inventory, crisis communication, DFR overview)
• Checklists (phishing, suspicious situations, first steps during incidents)
• Presentation slides for internal sessions
• Practical guidance for introducing and organising the role

Download the DFR starter kit

All materials may be used, shared and printed freely. We only ask that the original concept is acknowledged.

<Who is>

The materials and training are suitable for any organisation that wants to strengthen digital safety through people as well as technology:

• SMEs

• healthcare and welfare organisations

• municipalities

• education

• NGOs and community groups

• libraries and cultural institutions

• teams with growing digital dependence

Anyone can become a Digital First Responder no technical background required.

<Why Brandaris>

We believe digital safety doesn’t have to be complicated. Technology plays a role, but behaviour makes the difference. That’s why we support initiatives like the Digital First Responder not as the owner of the concept, but as a practical delivery partner, helping organisations with knowledge, materials and hands-on guidance.

It also directly supports our long-term mission: helping at least 1,000 organisations become digitally resilient in the next ten years. The Digital First Responder plays an important part in that mission, because it shows that real digital security starts with people, not just systems.

<Digital First Responder Training>

Want your team to actually apply the role in practice?You can enrol participants in our Digital First Responder training.

During this session we cover:

• recognisable, real-world scenarios,
• the five essential principles for digital safety,
• what to do (and not do) during a digital incident,
• how to support colleagues without judgment,
• and how to embed the DFR role inside your organisation.

The training takes half a day. When enough registrations are received, we schedule a new session in Alkmaar. Rather giving the training yourself?

<Download the slidedeck>