7 Essential Digital Security Tools for Every Journalist

Your journalistic freedom is under attack from every corner. Authoritarian governments, nosey state-sponsored agents, hackers, thieves, rivals, and disgruntled readers all want to breach your security and privacy. Your only choice is to use the right digital security tools to protect your work and your sources.

1. End-to-End Encrypted Apps

Avoid using email. The technology is archaic and full of security holes. If you can’t do without email, learn to encrypt your email clients. Alternatively, use an end-to-end encrypted app to communicate securely.

• Signal: This cross-platform encrypted messaging service is the tool of choice for many journalists, editors, activists, and whistleblowers.
• iMessage: Exclusive to Apple operating systems, this instant messaging service provides security and privacy from everyone, including Apple.
• WhatsApp: Now owned by Facebook, WhatsApp is an old favorite for fans of privacy. However, this freeware is a growing target because of its popularity.

2. Privacy VPN

Subscribe to the best VPN service to protect yourself and circumvent Internet censorship blocks. A good VPN secures your data with 256-bit encryption and masks your IP address to give you anonymity. Remember to ignore free VPNs because they track your activity and infect you with dangerous malware.

3. Firewalls

A firewall protects your network by filtering traffic and blocking intruders. Your operating system has a software firewall while your router has a hardware firewall. Activate both for two layers of security.

4. Cybersecurity Software

Spyware is one of your enemy’s most powerful tools. Spies use this malware to observe your activities and breach your security. They also use keyloggers to record all your keystrokes on your computer. Once extracted, keystroke data is analyzed to hack your accounts and steal your data.

Visit Malwarebytes downloads to find the latest cybersecurity software for a variety of platforms. Their software uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to secure your computer 24/7. Use their signature-based technology for thorough malware and spyware removal.

5. Password Manager

Your password must be unique, long, and complex to protect your information from hackers and their sophisticated tools. It must be changed regularly to reduce your risk of exposure.

To avoid the hassle of changing passwords manually, use a secure and reputable password manager that auto-generates unbeatable passwords and encrypts them. Enable two-factor authentication to boost your password game further. With this feature activated, a hacker needs your password and physical access to your device to steal your data.

6. Encryption Tool

Encryption software protects your files and folders from intruders. On Windows, use Bitlocker to encrypt your hard drive. On Apple, try FileVault. Both software use XTS-AES encryption. For even more robust encryption, buy an Encrypted Hard Drive.

7. Cloud Storage

Cloud servers are usually secure. They’re often heavily guarded and located away from the curious eyes of others. In addition, cloud servers are heavily encrypted. However, these servers aren’t perfect solutions – government agencies and hackers constantly look for ways to break into them.

According to a study by the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression, journalists in distress frequently disregard their sense of insecurity when they’re unsafe, in order to do their jobs. If you’re such a journalist, then don’t take the risk. Use the right tools to protect your security and privacy.