step-by-step guide on how to create a software dead man's switch for journalists

As a journalist, you may be working on sensitive stories that could put you at risk. In such cases, having a software dead man's switch can help ensure your safety and the security of your work. A dead man's switch is essentially a system that detects when you're no longer able to check in and alerts designated contacts or takes certain actions automatically.

Step 1: Choose a reliable platform The first step is to choose a reliable platform that offers dead man's switch functionality. There are several options available, such as Guardian Project's PanicKit, and OnionShare. You should research each platform thoroughly and select the one that best suits your needs.

Guardian Project's: https://github.com/OpenArchive/Save-app-android https://guardianproject.info/apps/info.guardianproject.ripple/ https://guardianproject.info/apps/ https://guardianproject.info/apps/org.witness.proofmode/ https://guardianproject.info/tags/panic/

OnionShare: https://onionshare.org/

Step 2: Determine what triggers the switch Next, you need to determine what will trigger the switch. For example, if you fail to log in to your computer or phone for a certain period of time or if you don't respond to an automated message within a set timeframe. It's important to choose a trigger that is unlikely to happen accidentally but is also not too difficult for you to remember.

Step 3: Set up your contacts You will need to set up your contacts who will receive notifications if the dead man's switch is triggered. These contacts should be people whom you trust and who are aware of the nature of your work. You can add their contact information into the system provided by the chosen platform.

Step 4: Customize settings Most platforms offer customization options where you can specify what happens when the dead man's switch is triggered. For example, it could send an email or text message alerting your designated contacts about your absence or even delete certain files from your computer automatically.

Step 5: Test it out Once everything is set up, it’s important to test out your dead man’s switch before relying on it in real-life situations. Make sure all triggers are working correctly and notifications are being sent as expected.

In conclusion, setting up a software dead man’s switch requires careful consideration of various factors such as choosing the right platform, selecting reliable triggers, setting up trusted contacts and customizing settings based on individual requirements. By following these steps carefully and testing out the system beforehand, journalists can ensure their safety while working on sensitive stories without worrying about potential risks associated with their work.