New security and usability features for SecureDrop whistleblowing system

It’s the Digital Security Training team at?Freedom?of the?Press?Foundation (FPF), with security news that keeps you, your sources, and your devices safe. If someone has shared this newsletter with you, please subscribe on LinkedIn?here?or through our website?here.

In the news

SecureDrop, the anonymous whistleblowing submission system used by over 70 newsrooms and maintained by my teammates at FPF, announced new features coming in 2024. Historically, newsrooms accepted tips through SecureDrop using an “air-gapped” computer — a dedicated computer with no internet access that can be used to safely read tips sent to the newsroom. While this approach is great for security, it can be time-consuming and is challenging for journalists who work remotely. By simulating an air-gapped environment using Qubes OS, the new SecureDrop Workstation instead allows journalists to download tips and safely read them right away, using just one device. For added safety, SecureDrop will also support end-to-end encryption, which will help minimize how much the system can discern about anyone communicating with the newsroom. Read the blog post here.

What you can do

• FPF will assist existing SecureDrop support clients in upgrading to the new version of SecureDrop. If you’re a journalist and you or your colleagues are interested in upgrading to the new SecureDrop Workstation in 2024, reach out to our team here.?
• If your newsroom already uses the current iteration of SecureDrop, you will continue to receive support and security updates. However, new features will be developed primarily for the SecureDrop Workstation.

Our team is always ready to assist journalists with digital security concerns. Reach out here, and stay safe and secure out there.

Best,

Martin

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Martin Shelton

Principal Researcher

Freedom of the Press Foundation