Surfshark
Journalists operating in politically unstable or heavily monitored environments face growing digital risks — from surveillance and censorship to cyberattacks and internet shutdowns. These threats can severely restrict not only their work, but also their safety. In conversation with Al Walid Chennoufi of Internews’ Global Technology Hub, we discuss the most pressing digital challenges journalists face today, practical steps to improve cybersecurity, and the role technology plays.
Al Walid Chennoufi is Helpdesk Manager at Internews’ Global Technology Hub, where he supports journalists and media organisations worldwide in strengthening digital resilience and adopting secure technologies in high-risk environments. An online security specialist with a background in software engineering, he has trained thousands of journalists and civil society actors on secure digital practices. Before joining Internews, he helped launch the Access Now Helpline and has also consulted for IREX and HURIDOCS on digital security and technology capacity-building.
Modern risks for journalists
Journalists working in fragile or heavily monitored environments face an expanding range of digital threats like online harassment, surveillance, censorship, and cyberattacks. According to Al Walid, these risks not only jeopardize their safety but also severely limit their ability to report freely, particularly in regions under repressive regimes or during political instability. It’s not one particular challenge, but several.
“Many journalists lack access to basic digital security training and trusted tools. Financial constraints and payment barriers often push them toward cracked or unlicensed software, which often contains malware or backdoors. This creates an environment where a single malicious file can expose sensitive information or halt reporting,” Al Walid shares.
Another concern is weak device maintenance, updates, and data protection practices. Journalists frequently rely on outdated devices that no longer receive security updates, making them vulnerable to known exploits.
Finally, there’s exposure to surveillance and operational risks. In heavily monitored environments, journalists face surveillance of their communications, movement, and digital activity. This constant threat forces journalists to adjust their behavior — limiting what they report, avoiding sensitive topics, or forgoing certain investigations altogether.
To support local journalists, Internews focuses on building resilient, adaptable digital infrastructure. Its modular, secure solutions allow partners to operate in isolated environments that can be rapidly deployed, scaled, or reconfigured within tight resource constraints. Through partnership with Surfshark, Internews provides encrypted communication channels and reliable privacy tools, enabling partners to work with greater confidence and protection.
Internet shutdowns are on the rise — how are journalists affected?
Internet shutdowns have become a common tactic during crises or political unrest. Depending on how they are implemented — platform blocking, throttling, mobile data restrictions, or full network blackouts — shutdowns immediately disrupt journalists’ ability to communicate, verify information, and publish safely.
Shutdowns also cut journalists off from the secure communication channels they rely on. This loss of secure infrastructure heightens both operational and personal risk.
“To mitigate these disruptions, journalists increasingly depend on redundancy and diversification. VPNs can help bypass certain forms of censorship, while switching between multiple ISPs, mobile operators, or using eSIMs connected to foreign carriers can restore partial connectivity. Preparedness is essential. Journalists who have secure tools pre‑installed, alternative communication channels identified, and contingency workflows mapped out are far more resilient,” explains Al Walid Chennoufi.
Internews’ Global Technology Hub works directly with partners to build technical capacity — training journalists in cybersecurity practices, secure communication tools, and strategies to maintain operational continuity during shutdowns.
How Internews supports journalists
Al Walid points out that Internews has evolved significantly over the decades, but its core purpose has stayed consistent: to ensure people have access to trustworthy, independent information.
“What has changed most is the context in which information is produced and accessed. As media ecosystems have shifted online, so have the threats facing journalists and communities. In response, Internews has expanded its work to include digital security, resilience, and technical capacity building,” says the expert.
At the same time, several principles have remained constant. Internews continues to prioritize local knowledge and community-centered approaches, ensuring that solutions are shaped by the realities on the ground rather than imposed from the outside.
Ultimately, they aim to help people everywhere access the information they need to make informed decisions, hold power to account, and participate fully in their societies.
Daily habit advice for journalists
As Al Walid explains, improving cybersecurity doesn’t always require advanced tools — often, the most meaningful protection comes from simple, consistent daily habits.
One of the most important habits is ensuring that all devices run trusted, up‑to‑date software. Whenever possible, journalists should use genuine, licensed software or reputable open‑source alternatives. Keeping operating systems, applications, and devices updated is equally critical.
Account security is another essential foundation. Strong, unique passwords for every account, combined with multi‑factor authentication, significantly reduce the risk of account takeover.
Daily caution around links, attachments, and unknown contacts remains one of the simplest yet most effective defenses. Making secure communication the default — using encrypted messaging apps, avoiding public Wi-Fi without a VPN, and keeping sensitive conversations on trusted platforms — helps reduce the risk of interception or monitoring.
How can companies support journalists and media?
Al Walid emphasizes that partnerships are essential to strengthening digital resilience, especially for journalists and media organizations working under pressure. Organizations like Surfshark can play a powerful role by providing reliable, encrypted communication tools that protect journalists.
One of the most critical contributions partners can make is enabling rapid and sustainable protection for at‑risk media workers. Many journalists and independent outlets operate with extremely limited resources — often voluntarily — and cannot easily purchase security tools.
Having trusted partnerships that allow organizations like Internews to quickly deploy essential licenses makes an enormous difference, notes Al Walid. Longer‑term licenses, ideally lasting two to three years, also significantly improve sustainability by reducing administrative overhead and ensuring continuous protection rather than short, stop‑start coverage.
“When partnerships combine flexible support, long‑term resources, and strong technical collaboration, journalists are far better equipped to maintain safe communication channels, protect sensitive data, and keep reporting even in the most challenging environments,” believes Al Walid Chennoufi.
Online resilience as a new frontier
As digital threats continue to evolve, protecting journalists increasingly requires a combination of technical tools, practical habits, and strong partnerships. By improving digital security practices and expanding access to trusted technologies, organisations like Internews and their partners aim to ensure that journalists can continue reporting safely and that communities retain access to reliable, independent information.
