Security lessons from a Signal group chat
The editor-in-chief of The Atlantic is added to a Signal group chat discussing national security information — presumably by accident
Ask a security trainer: Should I be concerned about AI transcription tools?
There are some great uses for time-saving AI transcription tools, but it’s important to also know when to avoid uploading to a cloud provider
Ad CEO boasts about data broker capabilities
If our digital security trainer were in charge of data broker services, he might keep his cards closer to the vest. But that’s just him
Dropping malicious browser extensions
Browser extensions are powerful, but not all are trustworthy. Here’s how to scale back to the ones you trust
Ask a security trainer: So you’ve been targeted by a famous person
Our digital security team examines the security risks to journalists if a prominent person targets them online, and what can be done to prepare
Google’s personal data removal updates
Google updates its “Results about you” tool to help users remove unwanted or outdated information about themselves
Apple pulls encrypted iCloud from the U.K.
After government demands for global access to Apple’s end-to-end encrypted iCloud, the company disables the feature regionally
Ask a security trainer: Is it safe to unlock my phone with my face?
Welcome to “Ask a security trainer,” the column where the Digital Security Training team at Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) answers your burning questions at the intersection of journalism and security. Submit yours here! Let’s jump right into this week’s question.Dear DST,I have some sensitive data …
X temporarily blocks Signal links
While X might be able to block links, it will have a tougher time blocking Signal usernames
U.K. officials demand iCloud backdoor
The “snoopers’ charter” order for access to end-to-end encrypted iCloud accounts applies globally
Signal allows synching with new devices
Ever linked a new device to your Signal account, only to find you didn’t get your old messages? No longer!
Trump cuts DHS board probing Chinese attacks
In one of his first moves as president, Trump disbands cybersecurity board tasked with investigating Chinese attacks on U.S. telecoms
Security risk assessment as a mental health tool
Let’s talk about protecting your well-being by prioritizing what security risks you want to address.
Media organizations are locking down
The New York Times reports media organizations are locking down their communications amid threats to the press.
Telegram’s compliance with data requests skyrockets
Following CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest, the messaging app is giving more user IP addresses and phone numbers to U.S. authorities
Leaks and the media in 2025
Trump attorneys, incoming officials lay out intentions to use the legal system to bully media and investigate leaks
Ask a security trainer: Why not use my browser as my password manager?
Our digital security training team on the advantages and disadvantages of a browser-based password manager
Clawing back your data on X
Purging your social media posts is getting much simpler
The 2025 journalist’s digital security checklist
Our digital security training team’s checklist to help journalists secure their digital life.
Lock down your Bluesky account
Among journalists, Bluesky is taking flight. Critical account security protections are still under development
New leaks on police phone unlocking tech
Recent insight into the capabilities and limitations of GrayKey, a secretive phone forensics tool, highlight the importance of updates
How to shop for a journalist: A security gift-giving guide
Sometimes I need gifts for my journalist friends. Journalists don’t typically treat themselves to gadgets and services that will make their jobs safer and easier, but maybe you can treat them instead.
WhatsApp lawsuit highlights spyware abuses (again)
In lawsuit against NSO Group, documents reveal the spyware vendor disconnected 10 abusive government customers
Use Signal’s new call links
The encrypted messaging app just rolled out a new feature to let users join a call with just a link — groups no longer required
Election safety support for journalists
Alongside a coalition of press freedom organizations, we’ve teamed up with the Knight Election Hub to support journalists.
