What are the best ways to protect your sources from digital surveillance?

2 Use secure email services

Another way to protect your sources from digital surveillance is to use secure email services. These are email providers that use encryption, anonymization, and other features to protect your email content and metadata from prying eyes. Some of the most reputable secure email services for journalists are ProtonMail, Tutanota, and Mailfence. These services also offer features like encrypted attachments, password protection, and disposable email addresses. You should always use a strong password and two-factor authentication for your email account, and avoid using your personal or work email for sensitive communications.

3 Use VPNs and Tor

A VPN (virtual private network) is a tool that creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and a server, hiding your IP address and location from anyone who might be monitoring your online activity. A VPN can help you protect your sources from digital surveillance by allowing you to access blocked or censored websites, bypass network restrictions, and avoid online tracking. Some of the most reliable VPNs for journalists are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Mullvad. You should always choose a VPN that has a strict no-logs policy, supports multiple devices, and offers fast and stable connections.

Tor (the onion router) is a network of servers that anonymizes your online traffic by routing it through multiple layers of encryption and relays. Tor can help you protect your sources from digital surveillance by making it extremely difficult for anyone to trace your identity or location online. You can use Tor by downloading the Tor Browser, which is a modified version of Firefox that connects to the Tor network automatically. You can also use Tor to access the dark web, where you can find websites and services that are not indexed by regular search engines, such as SecureDrop, a platform that allows sources to anonymously submit documents to journalists.

4 Use burner phones and SIM cards

A burner phone is a cheap and disposable phone that you can use for a short period of time and then discard. A burner SIM card is a prepaid and unregistered SIM card that you can use with any phone and then throw away. You can use burner phones and SIM cards to protect your sources from digital surveillance by avoiding using your regular phone or number for sensitive communications, and by changing your phone or SIM card frequently. You can buy burner phones and SIM cards from convenience stores, supermarkets, or online retailers. You should always use cash or cryptocurrency to pay for them, and avoid using them near your home or office.

5 Use encryption software and hardware

Encryption software and hardware are tools that can help you protect your sources from digital surveillance by encrypting your data and devices. Encryption software are programs that can encrypt your files, folders, or entire hard drives, making them unreadable without a password or a key. Some of the most widely used encryption software for journalists are VeraCrypt, BitLocker, and FileVault. Encryption hardware are devices that can encrypt your data and devices, such as USB flash drives, external hard drives, or laptops. Some of the most trusted encryption hardware for journalists are IronKey, Apricorn, and Purism. You should always use a strong password or a key to encrypt your data and devices, and never store them in the same place.

6 Use secure disposal methods

Finally, one of the best ways to protect your sources from digital surveillance is to use secure disposal methods. These are methods that can help you destroy or erase your data and devices beyond recovery, preventing anyone from accessing them or retrieving any information from them. Some of the most effective secure disposal methods for journalists are shredding, burning, smashing, degaussing, and wiping. You should always use secure disposal methods when you no longer need your data or devices, or when you suspect that they have been compromised or seized. You should also use secure disposal methods for any paper documents, notes, or other physical evidence that might reveal your sources or your work.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?