Digital Security and Source Protection For Journalists: Research by Susan McGregor

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The law and technologies that govern the functioning of today’s digital communication systems have dramatically affected journalists’ ability to protect their sources.  This paper offers an overview of how these legal and technical systems developed, and how their intersection exposes all digital communications – not just those of journalists and their sources – to scrutiny. Strategies for reducing this exposure are explored, along with recommendations for individuals and organizations about how to address this pervasive issue.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF

Order a (bound) printed copy.

Comments, questions & contributions are welcome on the version-controlled text, available as a GitBook here:

http://susanemcg.gitbooks.io/digital-security-for-journalists/

DIGITAL SECURITY AND SOURCE PROTECTION FOR JOURNALISTS

Preamble

Digital Security for Journalists A 21st Century Imperative

The Law: Security and Privacy in Context

• The Judicial View of Privacy: The Fourth Amendment and Third-Party Doctrine
• The Legislative View of Privacy: ECPA & FISA
• Privilege & Source Protection

The Technology: Understanding the Infrastructure of Digital Communications

• Understanding the Internet
• Beyond the Exchange: Data Security in the Cloud

The Strategies: Understanding the Infrastructure of Digital Communications

• Protecting Your Sources, Protecting Yourself
• When Linkability is Acceptable
• Where Unlinkability Is A Necessity
• Protecting Your Keys and Accounts
• Protecting Your Devices & Stored Data
• Metadata: More Than Just Communications
• Analog Extras

Looking Ahead

• Source Protection and More
• Digital Security: A Journalistic Essential for the 21st Century
• Implementing Digital Security At Scale
• Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Security Technologies
• Engaging the Legal System
• Conclusion

Footnotes