Table of Contents

Introduction
1. The Essentials of Digital Communications
2. Digital Data in a Legal Frame
3. Assessing Risks and Threats
4. Everyday Essentials
5. Fundamentals for Field Reporting
6. Reporting Abroad
7. Creating a Culture of Security
8. Security Strategies for Teams
9. Working with Freelancers and Community Contributors
10. Essentials for Small Newsrooms
11. Managing Risk for a Midsized Newsroom
12. Security Strategies for Large Newsrooms
13. Facing Threats to the Profession
14. Looking Ahead
Notes
Index

About the Author

Susan E. McGregor is an associate research scholar at Columbia University’s Data Science Institute, where she also cochairs the Center for Data, Media, and Society. She was previously the assistant director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism and a full-time faculty member at Columbia Journalism School and senior programmer on the news graphics team at the Wall Street Journal.

Reviews

Susan E. McGregor has written a crucial resource for working journalists, journalism students, and anyone curious about the many sides of digital security. Her clear explanations and practical guidance mean that reporters are no longer paralyzed by fear of digital intrusions and instead have concrete strategies and plans to apply to a variety of projects.
*Sarah Cohen, Knight Chair in Data Journalism at the Cronkite School of Journalism and winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Investigative Reporting*

McGregor takes an honest and often unflinching look at how emerging practices have come to bear on digital security, and in a way that is always one step ahead of the curve.
*Harlo Holmes, director of digital security at Freedom of the Press Foundation*

Susan E. McGregor has written the essential book on security for journalists. From source protection to device security to encryption and conflict reporting, this book covers everything that modern journalists need to stay safe online and IRL. Technology changes fast, but McGregor blends basic security concepts with a nuanced understanding of tech to give journalists timeless advice that can be adapted as the tech evolves.
*Meredith Broussard, author of Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World*

McGregor takes a complex subject and makes it both accessible and actionable. In Information Security Essentials, you’ll find important background information, case studies, and guidance from experts willing to share the secrets they have learned along the way. An invaluable resource for media professionals and cybersecurity experts alike.
*Runa Sandvik, security researcher*