By Mary Mwendwa
Nairobi, Kenya: The Association of Freelance Journalists (AFJ) in Kenya today conducted a day long training on Digital Security Hygiene basics.
At least 10 journalists participated in the training that was supported by Acos Alliance. The basics of Digital hygiene are critical for journalists, especially those involved in reporting investigative stories.
Many times Journalists are prone to cyber-related risks that end up compromising their work and social networks.With lack of resources like the laptops, Freelance Journalists find themselves accessing Cyber cafe services. Here the logins and digital footmarks can easily be left if the Journalist does not clear the cache after using the computers in the Cyber cafes.
Acos Alliance and Association planned for this training to help the journalists navigate digital spaces while taking into consideration the digital hygiene basics.
Mary Kioo the trainer from Roshani Consultancies emphasized the need for journalists to be vigilant while on digital platforms.
”As a journalist, you need to know what to avoid and how to protect yourself, family, and friends while in digital space” said Mary.
Adding “Having strong passwords, using two-step authentication steps on WhatsApp and emails, and using secure browsing sites are just some of the basics to be considered. Revamping the digital 2 steps verification remains important in your work.”Kioo said.
William Abala, a member of the Association of Freelance Journalists, noted with concern the stories he hears about surveillance by state agencies on journalists.
”I know there are protection tools while in digital spaces but I am always worried about the surveillance by state agencies. I know WhatsApp is encrypted but I have heard of cases where it has been intercepted” William noted with concern.
Kioo also talked about the Signal application that can be used by journalists for secure communication.
” I understand your worries but try using Signal. It will give you at least 80 percent protection.”
Some of the journalists who were not aware of the signal app were able to download it and
appreciated that it would come in handy in line of their work together with other applications to a secure digital space. Finally, the journalists were told be be aware of their digital footprints by
considering the 5Ps, Profile, Privacy, Protection, Permission, and Positivity.
