Digital Security Safety Briefing
This section provides a brief overview of key things to consider about your digital footprint and safety protocols as a journalist. The following Top Tips and Resources represent an introduction to these safety concerns in the digital sphere. They are not comprehensive and we encourage you to review the offered resources below as well as in the keyword-searchable J-SOS Safety Resource Database.
Digital Security Top Tips
Enable multi factor authentication on crucial accounts
Multi factor authentication provides an extra layer of protection in the case of password compromise.
Recommendations
Google Authenticator, Authy, Duo MobileUse a virtual phone number
You can use a service like Google Voice to separate personal and professional calls and texts.
Beware of spam and phishing
Be vigilant and do not open unexpected emails or links from unknown senders. If something seems fishy, err on the side of caution and verify with the sender through another channel first.
Make calls and texts through a private and secure messaging service
Note: Not all messaging apps are available globally or compatible with your sources, so you will need to weigh convenience, privacy, and safety.
Recommendations
SignalEncrypt the data on your phone, laptop, and/or hard drives to a strong password
Encrypting the data on your devices to a password protects against unwanted access.
Use a password manager
Password managers make it easier to ensure that you have long, unique passwords for each account you use.
Recommendations
1Password, Bitwarden, DashlanePractice social media safety
Security settings: check for strong passwords, enable multi factor authentication, and make sure that your account isn’t signed in elsewhere. Privacy: make sure you are sharing posts to an intentional audience, and that you aren’t inadvertently leaking information about your location.