Journalists face an increasing challenge to secure their communications in the digital world. The protection of confidential source can be easily compromised in a world where surveillance is becoming ubiquitous. Today, there is no anonymity on the internet unless one takes specific measures that include disguising his/her digital identity and activities and taking measures to secure their online communications, but even then it is not guaranteed that your communications are safe. Can journalists secure their communications and protect their sources?
AIBD organised a regional online workshop on Digital Safety for journalists on 28-29 April 2021. 28 participants from 13 countries attended the workshop.

Mr Philip Victor, Managing Director of Welchman Keen and Ms Thavaselvi Manusamy, cybersecurity expert, were the consultants of this workshop. On day one, Mr Philip highlighted the various threats observed in recent years to journalists and why media organisations should be concerned about having an effective guideline on digital safety. There were several case studies were discussed related to social engineering and how journalists can safeguard themselves from online challenges. Ms Thavaselvi discussed on password management and securing digital identities.
On day two, both consultants discussed on data protection and privacy on social media and how to utilise the power of encryption and timely backups along with the usage of VPNs. Participants were asked to devise plan based on Dark Caracal (APT) related to Digital Espionage which was aimed especially at the journalists.
At the end of workshop, consultants talked about how to deal with online harassment, cyberbullying, and other security policies.
This workshop was a part of regional activities on ‘safety for journalists’ which AIBD is organising under UNESCO’s IPDC programme. The following workshop will be on Risk assessment and preparedness from 5-6th May 2021.