Digital Security Habits Journalists Should Adapt

Cyber-crimes are a bigger threat now than ever before. Technology evolves quickly, and journalists, especially, should incorporate additional vigilance when it comes to keeping their information safe from online predators. Investigative journalism may serve the public with secretive breaking news stories, but it comes with a price. Journalists are often the target of online attacks orchestrated by a government after reporting misconduct. Whether it be aimed at smearing a journalist's reputation, discrediting their work, or taking over an account, a journalist's career is constantly at risk. How can you run your journalism business securely? Follow these digital security precautions below to ensure your business is protected.

Use End-to-End Encryption Technology:

Encryption technology allows journalists to protect their work from the eye of the government. Unfortunately, state surveillance and monitoring put journalists at severe risks of online attacks. Encryption will enable businesses and consumers to conduct business securely. From lawyers sending financial documents to a doctor divulging personal health information, end-to-end encryption is used to ensure this sensitive data is only in the hands of the rightful owners.  

Always Stay Up to Date: Are Backdoors Coming Soon to Encryption Apps?

A backdoor allows unauthorized access to a computer system or encrypted data that bypasses the system's standard security measures. More government officials are pushing to introduce backdoors in all popular messaging apps that offer end-to-end encryption. What does this mean when it comes to running your business securely? These backdoors would allow the government to access any private conversations between businesses, consumers, citizens, and sources. As of now, this isn't in effect, so to best keep your intimate conversations private, always communicate on an encrypted software.

Operate Your Journalism Business Securely with Trustwire:

Exposing human rights violations, shedding light onto oppressive regimes, and reporting on a government's flaws is no easy feat. The groundwork is tough, and journalists regularly put their jobs and, in more extreme cases, their lives on the line to find a story. Trustwire provides end-to-end encryption technology for free. Use Trustwire to send and receive data from any computer around the world. Using the strongest available encryption technology on the market, your sensitive information will be kept secure from cybercriminals. Only you and whomever you wish to receive the content will have access to it. When it comes to digital security, journalists must be at the top of their game. Let Trustwire help you successfully, safely, and effectively run your business.   

Tips for Journalists to Protect Online Communications:

• Never leave your devices unattended.
• Use passwords to protect all of your online activity.
• Use an antivirus AND an anti-malware.
• Regularly update your operating system.
• Delete your digital tracks - cookies, browsing history, and always log out of social media sites.
• Only use encrypted messaging apps, like Trustwire.
• Install a VPN to encrypt your Internet connections.
• Activate your firewall.
• Segment your digital activities. Use several email addresses like a personal one, a professional one, and one for shopping online.

To learn more about how Trustwire can be a useful tool against ransomware attacks and other cybercrimes.