How CENOZO contributes to protect journalists and sensitive sources in West Africa

Practical advice for investigative journalists

Arnaud OUEDRAOGO / CENOZO

arnaud@cenozo.org

www.cenozo.org

Why protect the sources?

• Safeguarding press freedom and the safety of Whistleblowers
• Strengthening trust between journalists and sources
• Exposing wrongdoing and improving governance without endangering witnesses

Main threats to sources in WA

• Digital surveillance (wiretapping, hacking, communication tracking)
• Intimidation, surveillance, harassment, or physical violence
• Legal proceedings, arbitrary arrests, economic pressure
• Social stigmatization (smear campaigns)

Some good practices

• Continuous risk assessment before any contact
• Systematic use of secure communication channels (Signal, ProtonMail, etc.)
• Fragmentation of information to limit the exposure of a single individual
• Systematic anonymization of sensitive data in your communications

Security is imperative for data collection and storage

• Systematically encrypt all sensitive documents (VeraCrypt, Cryptomator, etc.)
• Use dedicated computers or phones for high-risk investigations
• Keep a written guide of best practices
• Have your devices stored by trusted third parties

CENOZO's actions

• Ongoing training in digital and physical security
• Collaboration with human rights and journalists' organizations
• Establishment of a mutual aid network for journalists to provide mutual protection
• Implementation of projects to support journalists at risk: "Sentinels of the Sahel"