This year’s World Press Freedom Day theme was “Media Freedom for a better Future: Shaping the post development 2015 Agenda” With the country on the brink of travel bans and the rising tension among journalists about their security. There is vaguely any way to seek protection from the law or the state. To add more, Pakistan has been listed as one of the most deadly countries in the world for journalists. Whether it is online or offline security it is a matter of serious threats lurking danger perhaps an issue which should not be neglected. Here we have compiled few basic ways to keep you secured from dangerous circumstances!
- Make use of the power of cloud & 3G
With the introduction of 3G and 4G in Pakistan, users will be able to harness the power the power of cloud. They can directly work on documents online and save them. In case of theft or a mishap, editing and updating the sheets online will be easier than saving copies on your tablet or phone.
- Security codes and key locks
These are a must use at all times. Code lock your phone, PC, email accounts, tablets, USBs. Viruses are not the only reason to keep your phone secured. Mobile predators can also get into your and misuse your data even without you knowing it. Most email accounts allow you a two step verification procedure to log in to your account. Never save your passwords in your phone as it is prone to getting lost or being misused. Keep the giveaway phone separate from the one you actually use in daily life. Search for a best mobile security app which allows you to remotely track your phone and switch your phone off while washing all the information data and calls.
- Use safety apps
Use apps such as Watch over me, bsafe, React Mobile, StaySafe, OnWatch. These apps can be accessed by simple taps in the middle of the phone. They will send your location with a SOS message alerting your preselected contacts in emergency situations.
- Always tell somebody where you’re going
This is an old school rule. We remember our moms constantly telling us to text or call when we have reached our destination. Somebody should always know where to find you and contact your family and authorities in times of emergency.
- Make use of that twitter feed
Keep an eye on what’s happening on the social media. There maybe someone else tweeting from the same area as you. Avoid tweeting as someone watching over your activities can track you. Remember, criminals are the world’s best techies.
- Encrypt your USBs
Putting a password on your USBs can help and avoid keeping sensitive information on one USB. Use software such as TrueCrypt which will crypt your USB that mean no ne will be able to use it except for you.
- Use HTTPs
Using a public wifi or at home, always use HTTPS. Add https before your url for example: https://facebook.com so that your account cannot be easily hacked over the wireless connection. Most website such as Google and gmail have this option enabled and your browsing is secure. Make sure that each time you use any of your email accounts the lock sign appears with your URL.
- Plan for the worst
Use disposable sim cards and phones which you can throw away in case of emergency. It is better to keep things for self defense such as a knife, pepper spray.
Security whether online or offline, needs to taken seriously especially when governments, agencies and criminals are keeping a close eye on journalists. Your data online can be easily used to trace your whereabouts. Be tech friendly and use these options to become familiar with them before your actually step out in a field.