Why Journalists Need a VPN
Journalists have a very admirable job to do. Freedom of both information and speech is only made possible thanks to the people who protect it. Without journalists, the world would be ignorant to important news such as the actions of politicians, the impacts of disasters, the weight of inequality and so much more.
If you’re a journalist, you rely heavily on having access to the Internet and various online communications to do your work. Rigorous research, following other news coverage and in-depth interviews are all part of a journalist’s daily job description. Having access to other reporting and the ability to have conversations with sources are musts for you to do your best work.
But have you ever thought about protecting your research? Doing work as a journalist can mean dealing with sensitive subjects, whether it be investigating a breaking news story or speaking with an anonymous source. And if you do your work while on the road, either traveling or in different locations around your own city, this means you could be susceptible to information theft. Using a public Wi-Fi network is nearly unavoidable when working outside of your own home, but unsecure networks expose you to unfortunate risks.
There is a simple, cost-effective way to shield your information from vulnerabilities: get yourself set up with a VPN service.
How Using a VPN Can Help Reporters
So, what is a VPN and why do you need it? Essentially, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to browse the Internet without your activity and data being tracked. Even when you use a public connection, a VPN lets you access the Internet anonymously using encryption technology to recreate a private network’s security. This means you can do work in public places without worrying that your data might be stolen. This way, a VPN can help you protect your breaking news story, a source’s identity and any other confidential information you may need.
Using a VPN also allows the user to spoof their location, enabling them to access servers from around the world. This is especially useful if you are a foreign correspondent in a country with censorship restrictions. Not only would you be able to view any website as needed for research, but you could also do your reporting safely in a repressive country. In a world where journalists are commonly arrested and stripped of accreditation while working abroad, restricting access to your identity and research data is a crucial safety requirement.
VPNs are Easy to Set Up
If you’re now convinced that you need a VPN service but not sure where to go from here, don’t worry. VPNs are easy to install and maintain; the effort and skill involved is similar to setting up a new email. Simply purchase the service from a reputable company, and follow their instructions for set up. Once connected, you’ll easily be able to connect to your network the same way you would with Wi-Fi. Don’t be intimidated because the effort will be worth the security you’ll get in return