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Parallel to the growing digitisation of journalism which brings unprecedented benefits to both producers and consumers of journalism, there are worrying trends that have emerged. Electronic communications of news media, critical bloggers, and other individuals or organizations disseminating information have become targets. The danger emanates from various sources ranging from State-based actors to third parties. 

The threats identified in this publication cover at least 12 digital threats, including illegal or arbitrary digital surveillance, location tracking, and software and hardware exploits without the knowledge of the target. Further examples that are considered are: phishing, fake domain attacks, Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks, and Denial of Service (DoS).

Also covered are instances that show how journalists need protection from threats such as website defacement, compromised user accounts, confiscation or theft of their digital resources, and online intimidation, disinformation, and smear campaigns. At the same time, it is recognised that digital security is undergoing constant change, and that it is also becoming ever cheaper for those who wish to mount digital attacks.

These insights are valuable for policymakers, civil society organisations, media companies, and a range of journalistic actors, offering them enhanced understanding about new challenges to journalism safety. This publication also gives an overview of actors and initiatives working to address digital safety, as well as identifying gaps in knowledge that call for awareness-raising. 

The digital safety risks are analysed in technological, institutional, economic, political, legal and psychological dimensions. Recommendations in each of these categories are proposed for concerned stakeholder groups. These cover issues such as the digital behaviour of practitioners, capacity-building for digital security, digital expertise services, and measures that are needed by media companies. Also highlighted is the need to promote national mechanisms to protect journalists from all threats, and to raise awareness about the evolving norms in the UN system and their relevance to the safe practice of journalism.