The National Press Club

What would you do if you found your computer had been hacked and sensitive emails with sources, story research and interview notes were now exposed? Or what if you learned someone had intercepted your cell phone conversations and used them to learn the identity your would-be 'Deep Throat?'

Though digital technology has been an enormous boon to journalists, it also comes with significant security pitfalls and far too few reporters are aware of these dangers. More so than the general public, journalists are particularly at risk of being targeted as a result of the unique role they play in accumulating and disseminating highly sensitive information.

To raise awareness about just how serious the digital security problem is, the National Press Club’s Press Freedom Committee will hold a panel discussion on Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Murrow Room. This event is free and open to the public. Working and student journalists are particularly encouraged to come.

Panelists are:

• Matthew Cole: a former producer for ABC News and an investigative journalist, focusing on national security and intelligence issues who has firsthand experience being on the receiving end of government surveillance as a result of his reporting activities.
• Joseph Hall: the senior staff technologist at the Center for Democracy & Technology whose work focuses on policy mechanisms for encouraging trustworthiness and transparency in information systems.
• Jonathan Hutcheson: a public interest lawyer and journalist who designed and implemented a comprehensive source security platform for 100 Reporters’ Whistleblower Alley that enables the anonymous uploading of sensitive documents.