Cyberthreats are getting more sophisticated every day. In today’s digital world, cyberattack against journalists has never been easier. With the click of a mouse, high-tech stalkers can intercept mobile phone conversations, emails, text messages and satellite transmissions. Once infected with malware, the device transmits keystrokes and passwords back to whoever controls it. In the hands of pros, the device becomes an espionage tool. 

It becomes more pressing when you consider the variety of sources from which a cyberattack can come. It is not just individual hackers or companies with bad motives, but intelligence agencies, criminal cartels or terrorist groups are also a concern. Moreover, governments may use it to silence or punish critics. 

Many journalists and news reporters possess and convey extremely sensitive information that could create huge impacts across the global socio-political scene. Hence, while financial gain is the biggest motive behind most of the cyber attacks, journalists have a unique set of concerns, in that digital attacks against them are not usually motivated by monetary gain. Rather, the intention is to spread misinformation, prevent a potentially controversial story from hitting the headlines, or harass reporters for their beliefs. In the worst-case scenario, a poorly-secured device can jeopardize personal safety as well as data. For journalists anywhere in the world, a digital security plan is the first line of defense. 

Why journalists need cyber security

Journalism is an esteemed profession of shining light on the truth. Journalists around the world have long been targets of cyber attacks from those who want to silence their voices, whether they are reporting from war zones, crime-ridden countries, or within national borders. 

Digital technology has improved and eased the work of journalists. Today with just their phone, journalists are capable of recording audio, filming and editing videos, typing news stories and publishing their work to an audience. But the use of digital technology improvements comes with risks and threats. 

Nowadays, journalists use different online platforms and account for saving their data. This data includes not only personal or work-related information but also sources who might want to stay anonymous. Without practicing proper cybersecurity, journalists not only risk their personal information but the personal information of their sources. Not only could this be incredibly damaging to their reputation, but their sources could suffer as well. 

Moreover, due to the increase in the number of journalists, professional rivalry is common nowadays. In the case of poor cyber security, competitors may take advantage of cunningly of the data theft/hacked. 

Therefore, journalists should think of digital cybersecurity as equally important as reporting on current events with integrity and passion. Whether a reporter is trying to crowd-source information without revealing their story or operating in a country where freedom of the press is a pipe dream, cybersecurity plays an important role for any journalist producing work online—which is essentially every journalist today. 

Digital security best practices for journalists

So what can journalists do to better protect themselves online? Here are some tools and best practices journalists can use to minimize their vulnerability and protect their digital security. 

Secure your online accounts with strong passwords
Your password is the first line of defense for your online accounts and you need to make it strong. Use a password that has at least over eight characters and combination of numbers, upper and lower case letters and symbols. The longer and more complicated the password, the harder it is for a hacker to break in. 

To further protect your passwords and online accounts from hackers, never use the same password more than once. Always use a unique password for every account. 

Use Signal messaging app
Signal is an instant messaging platform which looks and operates like a traditional chat app, and also allows you to avoid expensive international call and text fees. But Signal also offers what’s called end-to-end encryption for both text and voice messages, meaning that the only person who will see or hear the message is the intended receiver. No one can intercept your Signal message unless he manages to infiltrate your device and clone it.  

Delete metadata, browsing history and cookies
clearing metadata, browsing history and cookies from your browser regularly will not prevent your device from being hacked but it can minimize the amount of information a hacker can find including what stories you’re currently working on. 

Better yet, use a browser that allows browsing in private mode. When private browsing is enabled, any information that could be pulled from the activity will not be saved by the browser to the current device when the window is closed. This includes cookies, browsing history and details entered into form fields. 

Minimize your activity on social media
Social media allow journalists to stay connected and give them a way to connect to sources. However, giving out too much information can pose serious threat to journalists' safety, as well as the safety of their sources and their information. 

Interacting with people on social media is fine. However, don’t give out personally identifiable information. If conversations get sensitive, which they always do, make sure to switch over to a trusted and encrypted messaging app like the one recommended above.