Protecting a Journalist's Digital Footprint
An investigative journalist needed to secure their communications and remove personal data from public databases before pursuing a sensitive story.
The Challenge
The client was an investigative journalist preparing to report on organized crime. Their personal address, phone number, and family details were readily available through data brokers and people-search sites. They also lacked encrypted communication channels with sources, putting both parties at risk.
Services Used
Our Approach
- 1
Conducted a full privacy audit to identify all exposed personal information across data brokers, social media, and public records.
- 2
Submitted opt-out requests to 47 data broker and people-search sites where the client's information appeared.
- 3
Set up encrypted email using ProtonMail with PGP key management for source communications.
- 4
Configured Signal with disappearing messages and verified safety numbers for real-time source contact.
- 5
Established a secure file-sharing pipeline using OnionShare for receiving sensitive documents.
- 6
Provided OPSEC training covering metadata stripping, secure note-taking, and device compartmentalization.
Results
47
Broker Listings Removed
3
Encrypted Channels Established
5
Sources Onboarded to Secure Comms
2 weeks
Time to Complete
“I can finally pursue stories without worrying that my home address is one Google search away. The encrypted pipeline with sources has been invaluable.”
— Journalist Client