Top 5 Must-Have Tools for Professional Journalists

Remember the time when the only tools a journalist needed were a pencil and a notepad? 

Capturing a story is challenging. Newshounds have to take into consideration multiple moving pieces before they can publish an article. Luckily, it’s not 1940 anymore, and today’s journalists have a slew of apps, tools, and sites that make the job easier. 

Whether you need a tool to help with brainstorming, security, organization, research, or visuals, here are five journalism tools you won’t want to be without.

1. Pocket

The Pocket App makes saving articles, videos, and content from other publications, web pages, and apps simple. Think of it as your personal reading list. If you don’t have time to read an article as soon as you come across it or watch a video clip, save it for later. Pocket is available on iOS and Android devices, plus the base app is free!

2. Trustwire

Part of being a journalist is sharing and receiving sensitive information online. Cyber threats are at an all-time high. Share documents securely with Trustwire. Trustwire allows a reporter or source to send and collect information safely, even in high-risk environments. All files shared via Trustwire are encrypted, meaning only the file owner and the rightful recipient will be able to see it.

3. Representation Matters

As a journalist, visuals are likely a huge part of your day job. You may be familiar with other stock image libraries like Pixabay, Shutterstock, or Pexels. While those are all great tools to source images, Representation Matters is an all-inclusive stock image library. They focus on diverse and inclusive photos with themes, including body positivity, disabilities, LGBT, and more.

4. Echosec

Echosec is a free online app that allows users to generate location-based social media data from the most popular social networks. If you work at a local level, this tool can help fill your pages or create website copy as you get info from events as they unfold in real-time. For example, Echosec allows users to concentrate on an area on a map where it will then provide you with a list of Tweets (or other social media posts) that have been made from that area. The free version offers Twitter data, but if you invest in the premium version, you get results from other platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

5. Hemingway

Part of being a great journalist is captivating an audience with words. The Hemingway App makes your writing bold and clear. This tool highlights common errors, complex sentences, and lengthy or hard-to-understand sentences in your typing. The text is color-coded to make things as simple as possible. If a sentence is highlighted in yellow, it’s too long, and if it has a red highlight, it’s too hard to read. Journalists can appeal to a broader audience with high-quality, user-friendly text. This online app is free, but a paid premium version is also available.

Privacy in The Era of Big Data

Let’s face it. We live in a world where practically everything we do is being monitored and saved on the internet. Yes, we have access to tech devices that make our lives so much easier, and they come cheap. But what people tend to overlook when they’re browsing the web, downloading the new “it” app, or even sending a selfie to their friends is that they may not be as protected as they may think. When was the last time you read a company’s privacy policy or the T&C page? If you can’t answer, you’re not alone. Data protection and privacy are some of the most underrated acts of personal security.

Do you know how valuable your data is?

While you may think you’re just another user in the pool of thousands, brands do whatever it takes to find out more about you, your browsing habits, and even your spending history. Machine learning has enabled companies to learn things about you, like where you tend to shop, your personal contact information, and where you’re geographically located. Sounds invasive, right? Consumers must be aware of how valuable their data is, and companies must start being more transparent with their audience about their business models. Shouldn’t consumers be offered a fair and transparent trade for data about THEM?

Government’s are exploiting user data:

While we may not be entirely shocked to learn that corporate institutions are exploiting user data for their own gain, did you know that governments are doing it as well? Unfortunately, cases of identity theft are rapidly growing in developing countries. Governments who should be educating their citizens on proper data protection are instead abusing user data for their own benefits without proper consent or acknowledgment. Until appropriate laws, rules, regulations, and sensitization concerning data protection are put in place; people are at a loss. Legislation should be used to help serve their community; instead, government officials are using it for personal and financial gain. People all around the globe are simply not told about the dangers of having their information stolen. And it seems like the governments in some countries are hoping to keep it that way.

Trustwire can help keep you protected:

Everyday people online are unknowingly exposing themselves to cases of identity theft and data fraud. With the lack of rules and regulations concerning data protection laws in most countries, people are forced to take matters into their own hands. There’s a severe lack of consequences for the mishandling of private or personal information. Trustwire is tool businesses and individuals can use to ensure the data they share over the internet remains safe. Using end-to-end encryption, all files sent through Trustwire are protected from vicious internet predators.

Identity theft is at an all-time high. How do you know you’re not giving hackers exclusive access to your most sensitive information? With Trustwire, never fear your personal information being in the hands of the wrong people.

The top 5 Best Startup Tools for 2020

Startups need to be fully equipped with the proper tools in their arsenal to survive in the highly-competitive industry. With limited resources (specifically money and time), startup founders seek help from security, accounting, and team management tools online. Luckily, there are plenty of tools that help minimize startup costs and help save a new entrepreneur’s precious time. 

Now, business owners can significantly enhance efficiency with just a few great tools. Below are the top 5 tools and resources you can use to help make your landing into the startup world a little smoother.

1. Slack

Work better at home or in the office by organizing all of your projects in one comfortable place. Slack is an incredible communication tool for both groups and one-on-one chat flows. The app is an all-in-one meeting space that helps keep teams organized. It’s incredibly useful when working remotely as well! Slack allows users to categorize their conversations in “channels,” making relevant information quick and easy to find. If you’re working on the go, Slack also has a user-friendly mobile app and integrates with other tools like Trello and Twitter.

2. Trello

Trello is a web-based project management tool that was built for improving workflow. It’s quickly becoming a household name among startups owners across the globe. This project management software allows project managers to organize multiple projects with specific tasks inside each project. This fast Kanban tool is for anyone who needs to capture, organize, and provide real-time insights regarding project status. Plus, it’s free! Trello is known for being ultra user-friendly, and the free plan offers all the tools and functionality a small startup needs.

3. Zoom

While Zoom may have gained worldwide popularity during 2020 because of COVID-19, it was actually ranked the #1 meeting tool by Gartner in 2018. The fast and reliable video conferencing software makes remote working a breeze. Startups and major corporations alike are relying on Zoom to conduct team meetings. To keep everyone in the loop, users can integrate Zoom with Slack to automatically share the recording with participants after the call ends.

4. BambooHR

BambooHR provides human resources software as a service. Brand new startups often ignore ‘corporate’ functions like HR - which is a big mistake. BambooHR is a handy online tool that makes hiring, transitioning, and recruiting a breeze. With onboarding tools and applicant tracking features, BambooHR users can easily keep track of potential applicants. The app also gives users the ability to track time-off, performance management, and e-signing.

5. Trustwire

Surely as a startup owner, you and your employees will need to send and receive multiple files. But did you know that cybersecurity risks are at an all-time high? Trustwire is an online tool to send and receive sensitive data safely. If you think sending files over email is safe, think again. Instead, use Trustwire to ensure no one other than the rightful receiver of a file will be able to open. All data is end-to-end encrypted, meaning Trustwire or any other third party can not access your data.

FaceApp Lets You Peek Into The Future. Does It Also Violate Your Privacy?

FaceApp is the photo-altering smartphone application that takes one of your photos and 'ages' it by decades. The app works scarily well, and the modified photographs do give users a realistic glimpse of what they could look like in 30 to 40 years, or what they may have looked like as young children. 

The app was created by Wireless Lab of St. Petersburg, Russia, and quickly soared to be amid the top free apps in both the Apple and Android app stores. This could have something to do with the major social media and celeb following. Once A-List celebrities like The Jonas Brothers, Drake, and Chris Hemsworth began shouting out the app on social media, needless to say, the buzz around FaceApp was swarming. 

The Russian hacker jokes are endless. Many influencers have taken to Twitter to poke fun at the fact that Russia now has access to many of our personal photos and potentially our information. While there is no hard evidence that FaceApp is stealing photos and taking them back to Russia for some evil project, there are a couple of privacy issues.

FaceApp And Your Privacy, What You Need To Know

FaceApp's privacy policy and terms and conditions have been raising eyebrows, and growing concerns over cybersecurity and the app are on the steady incline. One clause that stands out is that FaceApp holds extensive rights to its user's photos. Do keep in mind that many other apps do as well, though, and this is the unfortunate "norm" in the world of photo applications. According to Jeremy Gillula, who is a project director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (a nonprofit civil liberties group) does say there is cause for concern. 

According to Gillula, "The fact that a lot of apps and services usually contain this catch-all clause that says you grant us worldwide license to reproduce, modify, adapt, create derivative works from, distribute, publicly perform and display your user content always seems a little over the top to me.  

Is FaceApp Safe To Use?

It's always disheartening when a seemingly fun, harmless smartphone application can create serious concerns surrounding privacy and cybersecurity. Many of the app's young users don't give a second thought to whether or not their information is protected. However, for working professionals, people who own/operate businesses, and anyone who wants to keep their privacy, using FaceApp may not be the best idea. 

Reps from FaceApp have divulged that most of the images uploaded from their serves have a 48-hour lifespan until deleted. They claim to never sell or share user data with third parties; however, in their privacy policy, it does say they reserve the right to share some information. 

This info includes analytic tools to help measure traffic and usage trends, and these are done with third-party organizations. 

All in all, FaceApp most likely isn't using your photos for some kind of world-domination scheme, but you should still be cautious of everything you post on the app.

Trustwire is a browser-based file transfer method. Using the latest end-to-end encryption software, Trustwire guarantees your files will be shared safely with only the rightful recipient. Our free service means no more trips hand-delivering data, worrying about cybersecurity breaches, and knowing the information you divulge to your CPA, lawyer, or doctor remains secure. With Trustwire, you can easily exchange and access files anywhere in the world, and no downloads or installations are required. Are you ready to start surfing the internet securely? Sign up for a free account Trustwire here.

Cybersecurity: Everything you need to know to protect your important files from hackers

Privacy was once thought of as our instinctual rights as humans. We used to think that our online work, data, and files were protected from malicious behaviors. With the slew of hackers in this generation, unfortunately, times have drastically changed. Many governments have complete access to all their citizen's personal online data, and cyberattacks are at an all-time high. Keeping your data safe is at the heart of the privacy pandemic we're currently experiencing. We're giving you insider tips to ensure your important files will always remain safe from hackers.

How to practice safe online habits:

An Internet Service Provider or ISP always monitors your internet activity. That's normal; however, your ISP is in jeopardy of being hijacked by a hacker. While you, the consumer, can't do much about attacks on an ISP, you can take extra cybersecurity measures to ensure your information remains untouched. Follow the guidelines below to ensure your data is safe from hackers.

• Don't use email to send important data:
Many of us believe that email is safe, and it's understandable to think why. Major media providers like Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook make us presume that when we send a private email, it remains protected. However, that's not the case. Not only do the companies have full access to everything you send through their platforms, but they also don't always put the best cybersecurity practices to use.


• Practice secure file transferring:
What exactly does secure file transferring mean? When you send data from one person to another over the internet, that data may have succumbed to an online attack. If a hacker is on the same network as you, or the person receiving the files, they can get access to them. Use file-sharing tools, like Trustwire, to ensure hackers can't steal your personal information. Trustwire uses end-to-end encryption, which encodes information and makes it unreadable by unauthorized parties. That means only you and the person receiving the file will be able to see it. Trustwire can be used from anywhere in the world, without having to clog your laptop with pesky applications.


• Invest in a mobile hotspot:
While sitting in your local coffee shop with free Wi-Fi, you may want to think before you click the connect button. Yes, free Wi-Fi is enticing, but hackers may be able to access the info you are sending through these public, unsecured Wi-Fi networks. If you can, avoid all public Wi-Fi if you plan on making an online purchase, sending sensitive information, or logging in to your baking details. To avoid relying on free Wi-Fi, use a mobile 4G/LTE connection through your smartphone. Most cellular providers offer unlimited data today for fair prices. While you may have to tack on a few extra bucks at the end of the month on your phone bill, it will be well worth it in the long run.

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

How to Share Files Securely and Protect Your Device

If you own a business where your client's information is at risk, surely you are concerned with the safety of your customer's sensitive info being leaked, stolen, or breached. It's a fear among most business owners in the US, especially small business owners like private doctors, journalists, small enterprise owners, and lawyers. Cybersecurity is a problem that business owners decades ago never had to encounter, but in 2019 we are in the midst of the digital revolution. The days of storing your client's records in a filing cabinet are over. While going digital has had massive benefits for businesses worldwide, along with it has come an immense influx of cyberattacks. Many are left wondering what the best way to share files securely is?

Secure File Sharing - What To Do And What Not To Do

• Don't: Send sensitive documents over email

While sending an email may feel private, keep in mind the recipient may not have a protected server and may download your file from an unencrypted HTTP connection. If they're doing so from a public wi-fi network, the chances of a security breach are much higher.  

• Do: Safeguard your computer

A cybersecurity measure you should always take it safeguarding all of your devices. Always install anti-virus programs, never leave computers unattended, and conduct software updates on the regular. When choosing passwords, go for ones that are not easily guessed and back up your files regularly.  

• Don't: Rely Solely on Cloud Storage

Cloud storage providers like Dropbox and Google Drive are among the most popular. However, note that both of these services can gain full access to your files at any given time, meaning if there is a security breach, your data could be affected. These large companies may even look at your information for marketing purposes.  

• Do: Use an encrypted file-sharing service

Many file-sharing services offer encrypted transmission for file sharing. Trustwire uses only trusted and verified open-source cryptography libraries to ensure your files are protected. Trustwire guarantees never to sell or give away data and gives its users full control over their records.  

Secure File Sharing With Trustwire

While there are plenty of ways to share files online, most of those methods are not reliable. Many existing software platforms may offer features like document password protection, but that doesn't mean it applies to every file or folder. Plus, hackers today are smarter and more ruthless than ever before. The only way to ensure the files you wish to share remain private is with some form of end-to-end encryption. Trustwire uses real end-to-end encryption to guarantee that only the owner of the file can access and share the contents. Trustwire can not decrypt its user's files, making it the most secure file sharing service available. With cybersecurity breaches on the rise, be sure your devised are protected from malicious hackers with Trustwire.

Trustwire has unparalleled ease of use, meaning that your employees can quickly adjust to working with it. Furthermore, Trustwire is available on any device, anywhere in the world. Earn more about how your business can begin protecting its valuable intellectual property with Trustwire.

The future will run on 5G - How will the new era impact cybersecurity?

The fifth-generation cellular network technology, 5G, will launch a new era of wireless connections, completely changing the way we consume content. With faster speeds, more reliable connections, and lower latency, businesses need to begin supporting this explosive rate of new tech innovation. Projections show that the number of 5G users will climb to over a billion by 2023. Better cybersecurity will be part of the demands businesses must undergo to be part of the new evolution. Will the evolutionary 5G network implement new privacy challenges?

The security risk of 5G:

When we make the transition into a 5G world, several things will happen:  

• Exponentially faster speeds, higher capacity, and more flexible service delivery.
• Organizations will provide better content and offer an excellent user experience.
• Greater edge-based computing. 5G servers will have the intelligence to act as application servers.

5G will enable new technology that isn’t yet available today, and the world at large should expect substantial potential benefits. However, the implementation of 5G technology will also create new opportunities for those who wish to exploit it. 5G will disrupt the traditional relationships between networks, computing resources, and end-users, causing a notable impact on cybersecurity.  

5G and your privacy:

Challenges such as access to local info, health and lifestyle data, and leakage of personal voice are very real privacy concerns when it comes to 5G security. Remember, adequate 5G protection will not be a one-size-fits-all approach. With the upcoming different 5G entities, each will require different security needs.

5G and end-to-encryption:

When it comes to secure file sharing, end-to-end encryption has been the go-to for the past decade. How will you ensure your sensitive info is safe when we make the change to 5G? Cybersecurity solutions will have the challenge of deciphering which web traffic contaminated and conclude if any traffic is malicious. One way people are choosing to keep their sites safe is through Encrypted Traffic Analytics. ETA uses advanced algorithms to detect malicious traffic patterns of encrypted traffic. The technology can identify potential threats hiding in encrypted traffic. Exploring the potential benefits of ETA may be the key to keeping your website secure when 5G is in full swing.

What can you do?

Whether you’re ready or not, 5G is on its way, and it’s best to prepare as soon as possible.

Three steps to preparing for 5G

1. Cybersecurity technologies are a must. Don’t look at them as an added cost; instead, see them as strategies to ensure your organization remains safe during the changing times.

2. Don’t let security woes ruin the opportunity for your organization to reap the benefits of 5G.

3. Start preparing now, so when the time comes, you will be ready. Don’t wait until you deploy 5G to implement a better security strategy. Start using cybersecurity technology now to stay ahead of the game.

Trustwire has unparalleled ease of use, meaning that your employees can quickly adjust to working with it. Furthermore, Trustwire is available on any device, anywhere in the world. Earn more about how your business can begin protecting its valuable intellectual property with Trustwire.

Why Professionals Are Choosing Trustwire To Transfer And Save Files?

Journalists, Lawyers, Doctors, Enterprises, and anyone who works with sensitive data must keep their client's info protected. Cybersecurity is at an all-time high. Today, it's almost impossible to do any sort of business without personal data winding up in a networked Computer system. Whether you're at home, down the street, or across the world, keeping all data secure is crucial. Read on to learn about why more people are choosing Trustwire to store and send their sensitive data online.

What is strong encryption, and why is it important?

End-to-end encryption technology helps protect personal data by making it unreadable to anyone who doesn't have the code key. Think of it like a jigsaw puzzle, your data will be scrambled using a "secret code," and only those who Today, cybersecurity and secure file sharing are more important than ever before. Vast amounts of personal data are managed online and stored in the cloud or on third-party servers. While storing files and records on the cloud can help, it's far from 100% secure. The only way to protect your privacy on the web, share your files securely, and defend your business against cyber attacks is with end-to-end encryption. Trustwire gives users secure end-to-end encryption so hackers won't stand a chance of getting their hands your files.

Trustwire's SecureLink makes secure file sharing a breeze:

Encryption tools can be annoying and challenging to use. Trustwire is committed to offering the most user-friendly and accessible protection to professionals and small business owners. Users don't have to clog up their phones and laptops downloading and installing apps. Trustwire is web-based, meaning all files can be shared online from anywhere in the world. Send your SecureLink address to anyone you wish to share confidential records. If the receiver clicks on your SecureLink address, you, the owner, may then send files securely. There are no sign-ups, no installations, and no pesky blast emails.  

Internet privacy concerns are on a steady incline:

The purpose of cybersecurity is to help prevent data breaches, cyberattacks, and eliminate identity theft. Sounds great right? Well, today the 'bad guys' or hackers are coming up with new methods to hack into sensitive information. Just like technology is always evolving, cybercriminals are getting smarter, they’re developing new ways to produce more malicious code to compromise data. Hackers don't discriminate either; they are thieves; they will attack all types of businesses and corporations from doctors offices to non-profits.

Trustwire solves all information security issues:

Hacking is a big business. Hackers aren't bored teenagers in basements anymore. They are smart, ruthless, and out to steal personal information. To keep your money out of the hacker's pockets, verified open-source cryptography is a must. Trustwire uses only Verified open-source cryptography libraries. While that may sound like a mouthful, in other words, Trustwire can ensure that the encryption algorithms do not have backdoors and are secure. Even users who don't consider themselves to be tech-savvy can use Trustwire to Keep their information private.

Keeping things simple is what we do best here. We found the perfect balance between usability, security, and accessibility. Trustwire does not track usage and will never sell data. The owner of the document fully controls any data stored on the Trustwire servers. 

Trustwire has unparalleled ease of use, meaning that your employees can quickly adjust to working with it. Furthermore, Trustwire is available on any device, anywhere in the world. Earn more about how your business can begin protecting its valuable intellectual property with Trustwire.

Intellectual Property Theft | Is the Cloud Vulnerable?

Being relevant and competitive in a global economy requires innovation. Successful businesses realize that innovation requires collaboration. To that end, cloud-based solutions allow for collaboration on projects despite differences in geographical location. But does using the cloud place your organization at risk for intellectual property theft? Let’s take a look.

What’s at Stake?

Trade secrets, patents, product designs, and ideas in development. Making all of these available across the devices and locations of various employees creates a potentially risky situation. Litigation over patent disputes, for example, can be astronomical.

Cybercrime experts suggest that more than a quarter of hackers seek IP rather than consumer identity or financial information. This means that your organization’s IP is vulnerable.

Intellectual Property Theft and the Cloud

Unfortunately, protecting IP is a bit tricker than preventing typical data breaches. Why? Most typical data breaches come from external sources—hackers seeking your clients’ information, for example. 

However, when the target is IP, according to a study conducted by Verizon, 49% of IP theft was due to either employee misuse or employee (current or former) malicious actors.

Tips to Protect Your Organization

• Remove access to the cloud from former employees.
• Restrict access to information stored in the cloud to each employees specific needs only. Make sure that you can use tiers, and enforce access levels.
• Train your employees to use the cloud responsibly—especially with regard to protecting security.
• Furthermore, encrypt all files. This prevents transmission of sensitive files if devices are lost or stolen.
• Maintain an audit trail within your cloud to monitor patterns of access and to alert security professionals to unauthorized access.
• Use Trustwire.

How Trustwire Protects Your Organization from Intellectual Property Theft

Trustwire uses the strongest open-sourced encryption to secure your files and messages. Furthermore, unlike other cloud-based solutions like Dropbox, Trustwire does not have access to your organization’s messages, files, or data. This further secures your IP.

Trustwire has unparalleled ease of use, meaning that your employees can quickly adjust to working with it. Furthermore, Trustwire is available on any device, anywhere in the world. Click here to earn more about how your business can begin protecting its valuable intellectual property with Trustwire.

Privacy Concerns Online | Is FaceApp Safe?

Recently, pictures of all your friends covered in wrinkles have gone viral. Everyone’s doing it and commenting on how much they look like a grandparent of theirs. Then, the debate over terms of service agreements and the company’s origin and intentions have sparked controversy. Should you have privacy concerns online regarding the FaceApp?  Let’s take a look.

A Bad Idea?

As soon as it seemed like everyone was posting their picture, the “thoughtful” friends appeared in the comments. Didn’t you read the terms of service? Don’t you know this company owns all your photos now? Is the company spying on behalf of Russia?

The Industry Norm?

And of course, there was the in-turn response: Facebook creates just as many privacy concerns online as the FaceApp. No one reads the terms of service agreements. Doesn’t the US government already keep track of our online activity?

[Related: Avoiding Privacy Violations: Why Not Acting Now is Risky Business]

A Mixed Bag

Well, the truth is somewhat murkier than either side would have you believe. FaceApp is probably not going to use your photos to create crazy DeepFake videos. The App’s founder Yaroslav Goncharov insists that no data is sent to Russia. They also claim that your data is not shared or sold to third parties. While all of this is comforting, it does not seem to be entirely true.

Privacy Policy Woes

In its privacy policy, FaceApp does ask users to “grant FaceApp a perpetual, irrevocable, nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, fully-paid, transferable sub-licensable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, publicly perform and display your User Content.” That’s definitely not something most people would be comfortable with.

Beyond that, the Washington Post found that FaceApp did have third party trackers in its app. Also, its photos are processed in the cloud rather than on your device. While it claims photos are deleted within 48 hours, there’s no real way to verify this.

FaceApp and Privacy Concerns Online

The most alarming aspect of the whole FaceApp debate is not that it is some anomaly in the tech landscape, but that it isn’t. Privacy policies are rarely read, and for good reason. They’re super long, and they’re written by experts who can easily bury their true objective in legalese on behalf of the app. Checking the “agree” box initiates a commonplace scheme: your data is sent to a variety of locations.

[Related: How Trustwire and VPN are Tools in Protecting Human Rights]

The stakes are huge. They’re not just using our data to sell us more stuff. As the Cambridge Analytica and 2016 election taught us, they may be influencing the way in which we elect our government. This is why we feel Trustwire’s mission is so essential.

How Trustwire is Different

In the world of surveillance, where your data becomes the property of other’s agendas, we are committed to protecting your privacy. This is why we encrypt your messages, files, and photos. In fact, no one who works at Trustwire has access to any of your content or pattern of access.

This means that you are in complete and total control of your privacy. We think this should be the industry standard. Learn more about how we can help you protect your privacy online. 

Ensuring Privacy Online: The Individual’s Dilemma

In order for true online privacy, encryption is used to isolate users’ conversations and data from uninvolved parties. Simple enough, right? Now, when a crime is committed, and law enforcement needs to be involved, this privacy may need to be compromised in service of the law.

That also makes sense. Here’s the rub—customarily, law enforcement agencies have long lobbied for back doors to be built into encryption in the event they need to decrypt data in the course of a criminal investigation. While this doesn’t seem too troubling on the surface, deeper contemplation reveals how this weakens ensuring privacy online for everyone.

The Issue with Backdoors

Firstly, let’s look at what a backdoor is in terms of encryption. This is a purposefully designed weakness in an encryption system. In the event that encrypted data needs to be accessed by law enforcement, the backdoor can be used.

Now the issue with backdoors is pretty simple: they create weaknesses. For this reason, the truly secure-minded online users open-sourced encryption. This is encryption that has no deliberate points of weakness.

[Related: The Best Ways to Share Files Securely]

Secondly, if government organizations can gain access to your encrypted data, it stands to reason that hackers and other malicious actors can too.

After all, a backdoor isn’t a weakness that only those with good intentions can use. So, that leaves a problem with no acceptable solution, or does it?

A New Solution

The UK’s surveillance agency created what it thinks is a novel solution. Before communications are encrypted, allow the government access to all communications, then apply encryption.

This makes the information both safe from hackers (because strong encryption can be used) and available to government agencies if necessary. Now, while this seems like a perfect solution on paper, it really isn’t.

In the first place, it assumes that government agencies and their employees will always act legally and ethically. No government can provide its citizens this promise with complete assurance.

[Related: 3 Secure Communications Tips for Journalists]

Furthermore, this strategy won’t work for all encrypted technology, including: email, hard drives, or apps. The inability to apply this in a widescale manner would defeat its purpose in general, necessitating the argument for backdoors yet again.

Finally, many companies are unwilling to consent to such a violation of its users’ privacy. Certainly, we would never grant the government access to our users’ data.

The issue boils down to how much privacy does an individual deserve—and most individual users consider their privacy a fundamental human right.

Ensuring Privacy Online

Reducing the privacy of individuals online in the service of aiding the government doesn’t seem worth it.

Especially when you consider that governmental surveillance hasn’t made any of us that much safer. Ensuring privacy online is the cornerstone of Trustwire’s values. Choose Trustwire because we take your security seriously.

Email Security: Best Practices for Your Organization

From Microsoft to the Democratic National Committee, email security seems to be tenuous, at best. Not only are large-scale organizations vulnerable, but personal email accounts as well.

John Podesta fell prey to a phishing scam in his email, and Colin Powell’s personal opinions became public knowledge after his email was hacked and leaked. 

With email so seemingly open to attack, many wonder what are the best practices for email security for their organizations and personal lives.

Email Is a Target

Many do not consider email as the primary target of hackers looking to access information. Email is the point of entry for something bigger: bank accounts, servers, etc. However, data contained within emails frequently are the target of hackers. 

Think about this: how often does your organization use email to plan or record strategy, culture, and actions? Now, imagine handing this information over to a hacker? 

You wouldn’t do that, yet email susceptible to hacking makes that a very real possibility.

Why Secure Email?

Because email is such a common form of workplace communication, organizations must secure it if they want to secure their data. 

With BYOD becoming more commonplace, and the added issue of IoT, organizations are at a loss to find a simple solution to all their digital security problems.

So, while an organization-owned computer may be secure, an employee’s personal computer may not be. Given how work seems to take place both in and out of the office, secure methods of transferring sensitive files and communications need to be found. 

Historically, the complex nature of email security has muddied the water when it comes to best practices.

Email Security | Best Practices

Strong Security

Email has its advantages for file transfer: it’s portable, easy to use, and ubiquitous. 

Unfortunately, solutions to secure it tend to fail for two reasons: either they’re too difficult to implement or they’re not actually secure. 

Trustwire offers the robust security of AES 256-bit and RSA 4096-bit encryption. We also don’t have the access to or the ability to decrypt the files you send and/or store.

Easy to Use

We wanted to create something that is extremely secure but also easy to use. Our web-based portal keeps things easy. 

Simply create an account, login, and begin sharing files securely. Clients and colleagues do not have to download any apps or programs to access the files.

Use your email, but when the transfer of sensitive or confidential data is required, look to Trustwire.

The Best Secure Dropbox Alternative

It’s become common practice, when we sign up for something, to quickly click that “I agree to the Terms of Service” box.

No doubt the millions of Dropbox users have clicked that little box without thinking of the consequences.

By doing this, you and your organization have agreed to allow Dropbox to access your files, scan, and share them with third parties at their discretion. 

Hardly seems secure, right? Luckily there is a secure Dropbox alternative.

Why Dropbox Can Be Problematic

In its Terms of Service, Dropbox clearly states that:

• They collect data on how you use their service.
• They collect your IP addresses, browser and device information, and the webpage you visit before accessing Dropbox
• And they collect personal data for their “legitimate business needs.”

It’s important to note that Dropbox promises not to sell your data to any third parties. However, its collection suggests that it could be targeted by malicious actors. 

Meaning, if all this valuable information about your usage history and business is stored somewhere, it can become a target for enterprising hackers. 

Clearly there is a need for a secure alternative to Dropbox.

Why Do I Need Secure File Sharing/Storage?

Secure file storage and sharing is important for businesses and individuals. Businesses need to protect customer or client confidentiality and trade secrets and innovations. 

Individuals need to preserve confidential documents online, such as tax returns, pay stubs, health records, and identity records. None of this needs to be vulnerable to malicious people or software.

What to Look for in a Secure Dropbox Alternative

Trustwire provides the ease of use and accessibility of Dropbox but also provides the powerful security you and your organization deserve. 

Let’s take a look at what we offer:

Free

• 2 GB secure storage space for your files
• Exchange up to 100 files per month with other Trustwire users
• True end-to-end encrypted for file exchange and storage
• Strong AES 256-bit and RSA 4096-bit encryption
• Incredibly simple-to-use interface
• Advanced search to find your files quickly
• Manage your contacts
• Upload personal files to your account for backup and safekeeping
• Use tags to easily categorize and identify files
• Invite unlimited friends and family to join Trustwire and starting exchanging files and messages securely

Business

• Everything in offered in Basic
• 2 TB secure storage space for all your files
• Unlimited file exchange per month
• Trustwire SecureLink lets you to receive files from anyone securely with same level of encryption, even if the sender is not a Trustwire user
• Branded site with your logo
• Unlimited email support with guaranteed 24-hours response time

Sign up today to explore how you can securely transfer and store files with Trustwire!