VPN surveillance: Time for transparency and limits on spy powers
A recent letter from our lawmakers raises the question: What does the intelligence community do with the data of VPN users in the United States?
Ask a security trainer: What about NSA surveillance?
Two tech tips that can help keep your communications shielded from government surveillance
Using AI safely as a journalist: AI agents and operating system integrations
In this guide, we break down the privacy and security considerations of these integrations.
Using AI safely as a journalist: AI enhancements to existing tools
In this guide, we break down the privacy and security considerations of AI advances to current tools and platforms.
Using AI safely as a journalist: Stand-alone AI tools
In this guide, we break down the privacy and security considerations of services like Claude, ChatGPT, or Otter.
How to film federal agents in the field — advice for independent journalists
Independent and freelance journalists working without institutional support face unique risks when filming federal agents. We share the gear, in-field security tactics, and digital security considerations used by two journalists on the ground to stay safe and to secure their footage.
Ask a security trainer: What’s the best version of Linux for privacy?
Thinking of switching to Linux? Here are some distributions to consider for security
Five security lessons from the FBI’s Washington Post raid
Court documents show how investigators can track digital activities, and reveal ways to harden journalists’ devices
Maximizing Signal group chat safety
Larger groups come with more risk to your privacy, but you can make decisions about how to navigate groups safely
Ask a security trainer: Getting ahead of device snatchers
What can journalists do if they expect someone might take devices with sensitive information?
Safeguarding sources and sensitive information in the event of a raid
Following the search of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s home, here are concrete steps to take to safeguard yourself and your sources
Ask a security trainer: Tips for preparing my devices for holiday travel?
Read on for suggestions for staying safe while on the road
Ask a security trainer: Can I trust public Wi-Fi networks?
The answer may surprise you
How to limit exposing your location
This guide walks you through concrete steps to mitigate the risk of your location being tracked or identified by unwanted actors
Ask a security trainer: How do I get secure phone backups?
Explore some options for backing up your phone privately and securely.
Ask a security trainer: Is mobile device location tracking a real risk?
Yes, but before implementing steps to mitigate it, take a moment to ask: Who’s at risk, when does it matter, and what’s at stake?
How to protect yourself and your information online
This article was republished with permission from the Education Writers Association. It has been lightly edited for style and consistency.A question many journalists are asking themselves in today’s shifting digital landscape: How can I protect myself and my information online? That was also the focus of a …
Assess risk and choose the right tools when recording interviews
Before journalists hit the ‘record’ button to capture interviews, it’s critical for them to think through the potential risks associated with recording and storing audio or video
Ask a security trainer: What about the password for my password manager?
Definitely use a strong password on your password manager. But it’s also a good move to have backup plans
Ask a security trainer: Securing your passwords when traveling
Planning to travel soon? Protect your passwords with these tips from FPF’s digital security training team!
Module: Digital security 101 — Crossing the US-Mexico border
This module focuses on how to prepare and what to expect for those traversing the U.S. southern border, centering journalists serving border communities.Unlike most modules in the J-school security curriculum, it begins with a somewhat distinct perspective on risk assessment, adding further emphasis on individual attributes (e.g., nationality) and …
Preparing devices for travel through a US border
US border searches of electronic devices put journalists’ work at risk. But there’s a lot you can do to be prepared
Ask a security trainer: Checking identities in Signal
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’ve been seeing this story …
Ask a security trainer: What information can my VPN provider see?
Virtual private networks are a useful tool for our digital security kit, but what exactly do they protect us from?
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
