Digital Security
Protect your devices, communications, and sources from surveillance, hacking, and data theft. Covers encrypted messaging (Signal), VPNs, device security, password management, and two-factor authentication.
- Encrypted communications guide
- VPN setup and best practices
- Anti-spyware and device hygiene
- Responding to online harassment
Physical Safety in the Field
Stay safe while reporting from protests, conflict zones, crime scenes, and other high-risk environments. Based on HEFAT (Hostile Environment & First Aid Training) principles adapted for African news contexts.
- Risk assessment checklist
- Emergency contacts and protocols
- Crowd and protest safety
- First aid basics for field reporters
Source Protection
Your obligation to protect whistleblowers and confidential sources. Legal frameworks, secure drop systems, anonymisation techniques, and what to do when authorities demand your sources.
- SecureDrop setup guide
- Metadata removal from files
- Legal protections for sources
- Meeting sources safely
Psychological Wellbeing
Journalism is emotionally demanding. Recognise and manage vicarious trauma, PTSD, burnout, and the psychological toll of covering violence, corruption, and crisis. Peer support and professional resources.
- Vicarious trauma self-assessment
- Resilience and recovery practices
- Newsroom mental health protocols
- Support organisations directory
Make safety part of your practice
Take our Conflict Reporting and Digital Safety courses to build the skills that protect you, your sources, and your stories.