There has always been pressure on journalists to reveal their sources, often the call is couched in terms of national security, but with the universal use of computers and the online communication the issue has become more important as various groups gain access to journalist notes, records and other materials stored on their computers by nefarious means.
The Columbia Journalism Review has looked at this issue and finds that there needs to be much more education about cyber security rather than the traditional lessons on not revealing sources, keeping notes and tapes physically secure and similar techniques. That is not to say these are not still relevant but the widespread use of online interception and surveillance technology means these lessons need to be augmented to incorporate modern technology.
The Review article reads:
Since 2007, Steve Doig, an investigative journalist, has been giving a talk called “Spycraft: Keeping your sources private.” He’s presented at conferences for Investigative Reporters and Editors and the National Institute for Computer Assisted Reporting, explaining a number of specific technological tips for reporters: using Tor for online anonymity, the benefits of no-contract cell phones, and how to trick keyloggers, among other tools.







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