Security for journalists on the web

Robert Guerra, the cyber-security, internet governance, and human rights specialist offers some advice regarding security for journalists on the Internet, in the framework of the web seminar conducted by CAF and the FNPI regarding this subject. Following are some of his recommendations:

• The use of "https://" in the navigation bar means that there is a secure connection. Otherwise, any person can access the user's information. If a public computer or a public connection is being used (office, hotel WiFi), any person could enter social network accounts without much effort.
• A tool that may help increase the security on the Internet is HTTPS Everywhere in the navigator (be it FireFox or Chrome). It is a program that automatically connects to the pages in a secure manner.
• The activation of "two-step verification" on Gmail, Yahoo, and Hotmail enables the configuration of the verification, using codes sent by cell phones in order to enter the accounts.
• In Facebook, security can also be reinforced with the activation of telephone verification, the authorization of the devices, and the connections from which access is obtained.
• Jitsi and Mumble are tools to chat and maintain secure group conversations, using both text and video conferences. Mumble has advantages because it is free and has advanced options.
• Cryptocatapp another tool to encrypt conversations on the Internet. The best thing to do is to encrypt the information before loading it to a system in order to share files.
• Finally, it is important to keep in mind that no mechanism is infallible. Remember cyber-security rules: take care of the information that is being shared, do not trust companies, and always keep a copy of everything.