Digital Security Articles & Newsletters

    Header image titled, "U.S. Journalism School Security Curriculum"

    Module: Authentication (Part 2)

    Guide

    This short module opens with an introduction to the problem space (password reuse), followed by introducing password managers, and optionally having students install one and sign up for an email with a randomized password.PrerequisitesThreat modeling(Good to know) Authentication - Part 1Estimated time20-25 minutes (35-40 minutes …

    Header image titled, "U.S. Journalism School Security Curriculum"

    Module: Device protection

    Guide

    This module should be short, introducing the problem with a video, and open a discussion with students about full disk encryption and strong password protection.PrerequisitesThreat modelingEstimated time20 minutesObjectivesUpon successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to analyze the risks associated with device …

    Header image titled, "U.S. Journalism School Security Curriculum"

    Module: Digital security 101

    Guide

    This module will not provide an exhaustive look at this topic, but will instead provide the starting point for students to know how to investigate their digital security questions as needed.This lecture and activities will briefly introduce several foundational topics on digital security, including the basics of threat modeling, …

    Header image titled, "U.S. Journalism School Security Curriculum"

    Module: Social engineering

    Guide

    This short module opens with a video of a social engineering professional showing off her skills, then moving on to some psychological principles and tactics underlying social engineering approaches. Next, it includes a brief activity asking students to a consider how a social engineer might get their credit card number. …

    Header image titled, "U.S. Journalism School Security Curriculum"

    Module: Authentication (Part 1)

    Guide

    This module opens with an introduction to common attacks on online accounts, and the need for two-factor authentication. It then moves on to a few activities having students investigate the security of their own passwords, and where they might set up two-factor authentication for their primary email provider. It closes …

    Header image titled, "U.S. Journalism School Security Curriculum"

    Module: Obfuscating location

    Guide

    This module opens with an introduction to the need for location obfuscation techniques, and what a VPN does. Instructors may then talk through basics of IP addresses, Virtual Private Networks, and the Tor network. Students will be asked to install Tor and navigate to the New York Times SecureDrop .onion …

    Header image titled, "U.S. Journalism School Security Curriculum"

    Module: Chat safety

    Guide

    This section is intended to quickly introduce chat safety considerations through some examples of tip channels currently supported by newsrooms, followed by discussion time, and finally, hands-on installation of the Signal app. Students may need time to troubleshoot, so we encourage pairing students, and being prepared to help students if …