Security help is at hand

THE IMPORTANCE of cybersecurity for journalists, especially those working on investigative reports or in areas with high surveillance risk, was highlighted in our coffee morning on 15 November. Protecting devices and data is crucial for keeping sources safe and ensuring journalistic integrity.

Journalists raised concerns about:

  • Device security: several members reported experiencing device seizure or hacking attempts;
  • Protecting sources: confidential sources’ safety is crucial, especially when communicating electronically;
  • Online presence: managing online reputation and minimising the risk of unknowingly compromising sensitive information through past posts;
  • Working abroad: journalists in conflict zones face heightened risks of surveillance or data breaches; and
  • Using personal devices for work: Some journalists were pressured by employers to use personal phones for work projects, raising data security concerns.

Journalists should adopt a proactive approach to security by implementing good practices for handling devices, data, and online behaviour.

Journalists are encouraged to report any incidents of harassment or threats through the new safety tracker: see sidebar. The session addressed the importance of good security habits over relying solely on specific apps or devices.

The organisers encouraged collaboration between journalists and unions to track threats.

We will be offering free one-on-one consultations with the TOR Project and Citizen Lab cybersecurity experts to assess individual risks and recommend best practices. Details to follow...

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