What are the most effective ways to encrypt your communications and data as a journalist?

2 Encrypt your email and attachments

Email is one of the most common and vulnerable forms of communication, especially if you use web-based services like Gmail or Yahoo. To encrypt your email and attachments, you can use a tool called Pretty Good Privacy (PGP). PGP allows you to create a pair of keys, one public and one private, that you can use to encrypt and decrypt your email and attachments. You can share your public key with your contacts, and they can use it to encrypt messages and files that only you can decrypt with your private key. You can also use your private key to sign your messages and files, so your contacts can verify that they come from you. To use PGP, you need to install a software like GnuPG or an extension like Mailvelope on your computer or device.

3 Encrypt your files and folders

If you store sensitive files and folders on your computer or device, you should encrypt them to prevent unauthorized access or theft. There are different ways to encrypt your files and folders, depending on your operating system and preferences. For example, you can use BitLocker on Windows, FileVault on Mac, or VeraCrypt on any platform to encrypt your entire hard drive or external storage. You can also use tools like 7-Zip or AxCrypt to encrypt individual files and folders with a password. Alternatively, you can use cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive to store your files and folders online, but make sure you enable encryption and two-factor authentication on your accounts.

4 Encrypt your internet traffic

When you browse the internet, your internet service provider (ISP), network administrator, or government can monitor, track, or block your online activity. To encrypt your internet traffic and hide your online identity, you can use a virtual private network (VPN) or Tor. A VPN is a service that creates a secure connection between your device and a server in another location, so you can access the internet as if you were in that location. A VPN can also protect you from hackers and malware on public Wi-Fi networks. Tor is a software that routes your internet traffic through a network of volunteer nodes around the world, making it difficult to trace or censor your online activity. However, both VPNs and Tor have their limitations and risks, so you should research and choose the best option for your needs and situation.

5 Encrypt your phone calls and voice messages

If you need to make phone calls or send voice messages to your sources or contacts, you should encrypt them to avoid eavesdropping or recording. You can use the same messaging apps that offer end-to-end encryption for text messages, such as Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram, or Wire, to make encrypted phone calls and voice messages. However, you should be aware that some of these apps may still collect metadata, such as your phone number, contacts, or location, which can compromise your privacy. You should also disable any backup or sync features that may store your voice messages on the cloud or other devices.

6 Encrypt your passwords and accounts

Finally, one of the most important ways to encrypt your communications and data as a journalist is to encrypt your passwords and accounts. Passwords are the keys to your online accounts, where you may store or access your email, files, contacts, or other information. To encrypt your passwords and accounts, you should use a password manager, such as LastPass, Dashlane, or KeePass, to create and store strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. You should also enable two-factor authentication, which is a feature that requires you to enter a code or a token in addition to your password, to log in to your accounts. This can prevent hackers from accessing your accounts even if they have your password.