The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged journalists to remain vigilant and exercise utmost caution when interacting with technological platforms to prevent them from falling prey to cyber-attacks.
“Digital security is essential for journalists in today’s world. Cyberattacks are increasingly targeting journalists and includes hacking, data breaches and surveillance”, said MCK Meru Regional Coordinator Jackson Karanja at a digital security sensitisation forum organised by the National Coalition for Human Rights Defenders (NCHRD-K).
“These attacks can have a devastating impact on journalists’ work by disrupting their reportage, exposing them to loss of sensitive data and even physical harm”, said Mr Karanja.
He urged journalists to remain keen on the information they share on their social media platforms.
“We are often quick to post personal information on our social media platforms that can be used against us and put us in danger. I urge you to be mindful of the information you share online”, he said.
He asked journalists to use secure communication tools when communicating with their sources and colleagues, adding that these tools can include encrypted messaging apps, secure emails and virtual private networks (VPNs) that protect their information, data, devices and communications against digital security risks.