VI.
Recommendations
Training design
Digital security training thus far has predominantly been conducted according to the
expertise of the trainers. Although efforts have been made to incorporate need
assessment surveys and consultation meetings before the training sessions, the
curriculum and program designs often reflect the viewpoints of the training providers.
This is apparent in both the languages used by journalists and digital security trainers.
A space for journalists to develop their own needs warrants further attention. As the
security needs of journalists are very personalised, they need space as co-designers
to fulfil these needs.
The reality of journalists is not solely determined by how they manage their digital
security needs. For instance, stress management needs to be part of the digital
security training curriculum. The focus should not only be on concealing sensitive
data to prevent its detection during phone examinations by authorities.
Interactivity should be a fundamental component of training design. There is an
untapped potential in incorporating simulations and roleplay exercises that mimic
emergency scenarios, like military checkpoints or sudden raids, in security training
sessions. In such simulations, participants can be equipped with devices containing
sample sensitive data to replicate the pressure experienced during inspections and
demonstrate real-time measures for mitigating risk. Adopting a workshop approach
may prove more effective than traditional top-down training methods, focusing on
interactive learning rather than merely raising awareness. Journalists are already well
aware of the importance of security. The question is on how to practise it in a highpressure setting and to facilitate broader security protocols in their organisations.
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