Summer Conference Events

Julian Assange’s release from a UK prison, the result of a plea deal with the US government, was long overdue. But it leaves in place the prospect of espionage legislation in the US, the UK and Europe being used to threaten and intimidate journalists who work with sources and whistleblowers on national security stories.

Can technology keep journalists safe? What impact have encryption technologies had on investigative journalism, and what are the limitations of these technologies - especially for those who have less access to reliable tech infrastructure and resources and those operating under oppressive regimes?

This session will cover a practical mix of data security tips and models for workflows that journalists can use when collaborating across borders. The session will be most useful for participants who already have some of their own digital security practices in place or have basic knowledge of digital security fundamentals.

Phishing is a digital attempt by a bad actor (e.g. hackers, data-mining companies) to persuade you to reveal your personal information (e.g. passwords, credit card numbers) often received via email or text message.

Sort all your information security problems with our InfoSec walk-in clinic. Located in the atrium next to the #CIJSummer registration table, it will help you with your security questions and set up.

This session provides a general introduction to the broad field of information security. We will be giving some basic definitions, describing a range of the possible risks of using digital technologies, and introducing some of the available strategies and tools to improve your digital security.

(90 mins) 16:30 BST / 11:30 ET Barton Gellman is one of three journalists to have shared the Pulitzer Prize for reporting on Edward Snowden’s revelations on mass surveillance, as part of the programme he talks to author, journalist and activist Cory Doctorow about the national security beat and working with whistleblowers and leaks.

(90 mins) 18:00 BST / 13:00 EST As chronicled by Ronan Farrow in Catch and Kill, private investigator Igor Ostrovskiy found himself working freelance for Black Cube, a shady Israeli intelligence company investigating Harvey Weinstein's accusers.

(90 mins) 18:00 BST / 13:00 EST This masterclass is a conversation with Omar Mohammed, author of the Mosul Eye blog which documented life under ISIS rule in Iraq’s second city on how to protect your investigations from the prying eyes of repressive authoritarian regimes.