Data, privacy and safety
馃攼 Digital Safety for Writers
Build a plain-language security plan, then lock down your accounts, devices, sources, files and website so one bad day does not end your reporting. Includes what to do, in order, if you get hacked or harassed.
- 1Threat Modeling in Plain TermsWrite a one-page security plan by listing what you have, who might want it, how bad losing it would be and how much effort protection is worth.14 min
- 2Passwords, Password Managers and PasskeysStop reusing passwords, set up a password manager with one strong passphrase, and start replacing passwords with passkeys where sites allow it.15 min
- 3Two-Factor Authentication and SIM-Swap ProtectionRank the kinds of two-factor sign-in from weakest to strongest, move your key accounts off text-message codes, and lock your phone number at your carrier.15 min
- 4Phishing and Social EngineeringSpot fake messages and pretext calls aimed at writers, read a link's real domain, and verify any request through a channel you already trust.16 min
- 5Device Security: Updates, Locks, Encryption and TravelKeep phones and laptops patched, locked and encrypted, plan for a lost or stolen device before it happens, and pack a lighter digital load when you travel.16 min
- 6Talking to Sources SafelyProtect the people who trust you: set up Signal properly, understand what email and metadata reveal, know what SecureDrop is for, and decide what never goes in writing.17 min
- 7Protecting Files: Backups, Encryption and RansomwareSet up a 3-2-1 backup, decide what belongs in the cloud and what stays local, encrypt the copies, and make sure ransomware cannot take the backups with it.15 min
- 8Doxxing and Online HarassmentShrink the personal information about you that is for sale online, lock down your social accounts, and know how to document, report and get support if harassment starts.17 min
- 9Securing Your Site and Recovering From a HackLock your domain, hosting, CMS and newsletter accounts, then follow a step-by-step recovery plan if any account or your website is taken over.18 min