Without Computer Security, Sources’ Secrets Aren’t Safe With Journalists

Opinion | When Secrets Aren’t Safe With Journalists

Often, anonymous sources have been exposed by a journalist’s use of insecure communications.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/27/opinion/without-computer-security-sources-secrets-arent-safe-with-journalists.html?_r=2&hp&pagewanted=all

Sadly, operational computer security is still not taught in most journalism schools, and poor data security practices remain widespread in news organizations. Confidential information is sent over regular phone lines and via text messages and e-mail, all of which are easy to intercept. Few journalists use secure-communication tools, even ones that are widely available and easy to use.