Training for Digital Security in Journalism (in Spanish) Call for Participants
Our aim is to teach digital security practices in the context of journalism and explain the logic underlying them. More specifically, we will teach participants to make their devices and connections more robust, stay up to date with the latest threats in the area of digital security, and understand how the internet works, so as to prevent risks and take the necessary measures. But, since no technological measure will protect your data if you dont understand basic concepts from operational security. We will introduce operational security (OPSEC), also known as procedural security, which develops guidelines for use and behavior.
One of the toughest things about being an investigative journalist is the imperative to protect one’s sources. Nonetheless, many investigators are not aware to what extent they are exposing them to unnecessary risks, just by failing to systematically apply strategies and develop habits that would improve their own personal security and privacy, and consequently, that of their sources, devices and investigations.
The precarious working conditions in the sector, a shortage of resources and institutional backing, a steep learning curve, the search for one-size-fits-all solutions... These are the weakest excuses, for digital sloppiness, but sadly they are also the most often cited. The truth is that there is always a balancing act to be made between security and convenience. Fast-paced working environments, where content is dominated by mediocrity, the pressure to produce clickbait pieces... In most news [Spanish] outlets and journalism schools convenience is likely to prevail over security.
Not engaging in a culture of digital security is a strategic mistake, both in the short and the long term. And its ramifications can be life-changing. This intensive workshop therefore provides practical advice to ensure online investigation and communication can remain anonymous.
Our participants, journalists in training and experienced professionals, will be provided with a toolbox and a series of guidelines that will allow them to:
1) adjust the level of security/privacy needed for every situation,
2) define a differentiated action plan for every prospective or ongoing investigation.
What? 3 days of intensive training
Where? Online (open source platform BigBlueButton, own servers)
When? 11, 12 and 13 June 2021
**if the number of responses is larger than we can accommodate, we will consider organising a second edition the 16-17-18 July**
The language of instruction will be Spanish.
Enrollment costs will be 300 euros.
Various grants are available to participants depending on their personal / working conditions and the social impact of their work.
You can apply through this form: https://form.jotform.com/211374040357044
Deadline for applicants: Sunday 30th May (23:59 UTC+2)Candidates will be informed of their acceptance between the 1st and 4th of June.
If you have any issues with the online application form, please contact: info @ balkontactics . nl
Who can apply?
This Spanish-spoken event is geared towards 15 professional journalists interested in secure use of IT and in the right to privacy.
The following criteria are important:
- Practising journalists who are affiliated with news outlets in Spain and Latin America.
- Active freelance and citizen journalists from Spain and Latin America.
- People with experience in communication, with a focus on investigations on social justice issues, and/or human rights advocates. Both from Spain and Latin America.
- Final year undergraduates of Journalism Studies. Both from Spain and Latin America.
If your profile matches some of these criteria, do not hesitate to apply
All participants must attend all three days of the workshop. Teaching materials will be sent to them before the start of the workshop.
Besides active attendance to the workshop, students are expected to provide feedback so that we can make an assessment of the course.
The training will be delivered on line to 15 participants by one expert in digital security and two facilitators
If your profile matches some of these criteria, do not hesitate to apply. Deadline for applicants: Sunday 30th May. Questions? please contact: info @ balkontactics . nl
follow the linkDESCRIPTION: 3 Days Intensive workshop: 11 hours in 5 sessions.
The workshop introduce security and privacy from scratch and no previous knowledge is necessary. It is formatted in 5 sessions, adding to a total of 11 hours of online training plus some software installation time. The workshop will be limited to 15 spaces.
The skills acquired will be tested and reinforced through a final exercise involving a hypothetical investigation scenario.
All the examples and exercises are aimed at contextualizing the main general concepts of digital security, and will be specifically adapted to scenarios and strategies particularly relevant to the practice of journalism.
The workshop is designed so that every session builds on the skills acquired in the previous one. For that reason, participants are required to attend ALL sessions. Please refrain from applying if you cannot commit to full attendance.
About the trainer: Susana Sanz @suysulucha
Susana Sanz is an information security adviser, hacktivist and consultant based in Amsterdam.
Her focus lies at the intersection of technology, OSINT (Open Source INTelligence) anti-corruption investigation, and politics.
As a hacktivist, she co-founded and promoted the first Spanish portal for whistleblowers @Filtrala.
For the last six years she has worked as an information security consultant for investigative journalists, news outlets, activists and human rights organizations across Spain, The Netherlands and the Global South.
Colaboration with Dietetica Digital and Club Manhattan
