This course is asynchronous, meaning there are no required live events, and you can complete activities at your own pace throughout each week.

The material is organized into five modules covering various topics through videos, readings, and discussion forums:

Introduction Module – Raising the awareness level 

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of digital security. Participants will understand the need for skill development, the reduction of risks, and the attack vectors as a cybersecurity concept. Simple steps for journalists to establish the basic layers of security based on the context.

Module 1 – Foundations of Digital Security 

This module gives the fundamental concepts of digital security for journalists. Participants will learn about the current threat landscape and practice creating a personalized threat model to assess their risks. We then cover core safeguards for accounts and personal data. 

Module 2 – Secure communication and safe online practices 

In this module, we focus on protecting your communications and daily online activities. Journalists need to communicate with sources and colleagues without exposing sensitive content or metadata. This module covers how to use end-to-end encryption for messaging and email, how to browse the internet safely (even under censorship or surveillance), and how to spot and thwart phishing or malware attacks. By adopting secure tools and habits, you can keep your conversations private and your online sessions safe from prying eyes. 

Module 3 – Device security and Data protection 

This module dives into securing the devices journalists rely on, such as laptops, mobile devices, and storage media, along with strategies for protecting sensitive data. Journalists’ devices are a treasure, and losing a device or having it compromised can be catastrophic. In this module, participants will learn how to harden their device settings, encrypt data, and safely back up or transfer files. We also cover precautions for field situations like crossing borders or operating in hostile environments, where device searches or seizures are a risk. By implementing these measures, journalists can ensure that even if their device falls into the wrong hands, their information remains inaccessible without their permission. 

Module 4 – Advanced Practices & Preparing for the Worst 

The final week looks at advanced digital security measures and what to do when facing sustained threats. We cover tools and tactics for maintaining anonymity, handling surveillance, and bypassing aggressive censorship, which is critical for journalists working under the strictest regimes or investigating powerful adversaries. We also address how to deal with online attacks on journalists: coordinated harassment, doxxing (exposure of private information), and attempts to silence or intimidate reporters via digital means. Finally, we bring everything together by discussing the creation of a personal or newsroom security protocol and knowing where to seek help in emergencies. This week ensures that participants are not only proactive in their defense but also prepared with an action plan if an incident occurs. 

Register now for free and gain immediate access to the introduction module materials.

If you have any questions, please contact us at journalismcourses@austin.utexas.edu.