Senses of Security: Using Comics to Help Journalists Protect Themselves from the Internet of Things

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Attacks on journalists impact more than individuals or organisations, they contribute to the ongoing erosion of public trust and undermining of democratic infrastructure. Internet of Things (or IoT) devices, such as smart TVs, video-equipped doorbells, and fitness trackers, exist in every area of a journalist’s personal and professional life, and therefore compound already existing vulnerabilities. These threats morph and multiply in ways that are not necessarily expected when the devices are networked with each other. New devices might increase convenience but they also enable Sci-Fi-esque virtual, legal and physical threats against journalists.

There is therefore a real and growing need for shared threat intelligence and for tools and tips that can help the media defend itself in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. This is why Anjuli has published her research in academic journals, but also more visibly via news outlets and blog posts and even as a comic! In this session, we will present a website, Senses of Security, that uses Anjuli’s research-based comic to help journalists and other members of the media to understand how they may be at risk from the IoT, and to present practical, usable defenses against these threats.

This information grew out of Anjuli’s doctoral research, where she investigated how connected consumer devices are creating new complex risks for journalists and news organisations in the UK, US, Australia and Taiwan, as well as potential mitigations and protections.

With the Senses of Security website, she partnered with Miranda to develop the comic further, to make it an open educational resource where journalists and anyone interested can learn more about the IoT and how it may threaten press freedom and democracy. During this session, we will present the comic and the website as educational resources and explore the wider toolkit Anjuli developed for journalists to use to assess their level of threat and what countermeasures might be relevant in their context.

About the speaker:

Speaking here in a personal capacity. Dr. Miranda Melcher is a learning designer, war and defence studies researcher, and teacher, dedicated to communicating complex topics clearly and with inclusion in mind. She is currently a learning designer at City St George’s, University of London, with specialisms project management and inclusive teaching, holding both Senior Fellow of HEA and CMALT. She received her PhD on post-conflict military reconstruction from King’s College London’s Defense Studies Department after an MA in Intelligence & International Security also from KCL. She is also a prolific host for the New Books Network, having interviewed over 1,300 authors on a wide range of topics. She is the main host for the Just Access podcast where she interviews experts about human rights and international law.