Unique individual security protocols Our interviews reveal a high inventiveness among journalists in trying to increase their safety. The individual practices also evidenced a more holistic perspective on digital security. The practices they shared with us are not part of standard digital security curricula and could be considered alternative practices: 1. Using a hotel. One journalist reported renting a hotel room, facilitated by their media organisation, specifically for completing a sensitive, in-depth story. The reservation is made under the organisation’s name to prevent the tracking of the journalist’s identity. Upon leaving the hotel room, they would erase all data from their devices. 2. Resistance group escort. To avoid military checkpoints and have safer passageways, one journalist reported travelling alongside resistance groups. Although travelling with armed forces introduces its own set of risks, this approach highlights the comparative benefit of aligning with a group over solitary travel. 3. Handwritten notebooks for contacts. One journalist did not save any contacts on their phone. Instead, they used a small notebook wherein all contact details were handwritten. Similar to the point above, this is a makeshift solution in the absence of secure storage alternatives. 42