Digital Security Articles & Newsletters

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    Keybase for beginners

    Communication security Guide

    When working together online, chat tools like Slack are useful, but allow the service provider to read your messages. Keybase simplifies the process of sharing files and having conversations securely.Keybase is end-to-end encrypted, meaning that only you and your conversational partners can read the messages and files you …

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

    Module: File safety

    Guide

    This module begins with a short discussion about information hidden in files, and the potential risks tied to file metadata. It follows with a short exercise to have students find the file metadata embedded in a photo, followed by discussion of risk minimization.PrerequisitesThreat modeling(Good to know) Malware …

    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: 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 …

    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: Malware

    Guide

    This short module opens with a short introduction to malware with a video, followed by slides with a few examples of malware targeting journalists, and finally, opening up to a discussion of how students understand the likelihood of this happening in their work, and what they should do in response. …