Email Encryption
What is email encryption?
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Email encryption is a way to disguise your emails so they cannot be read by third parties such as surveillance agencies or hackers. By using secret codes that are specific to you only, the contents of your messages are kept hidden from the outside world––an email lockbox for which only you (and your source) have the key.
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Why do I need to learn it?
In a situation where you are dealing with sensitive information that official organizations such as the N.S.A., U.S. Government, or C.I.A., might not want in the press' hands––it's essential that you keep your evidence hidden. These national entities have extreme cyber intelligence and manpower that can oversee your mobile devices with ease, so it's important to preemptively protect yourself and your sources from being snuffed out before going to print. This will also give you a leg up on competing reporters as sources will be more apt to approach you first.
How does it work?
Edward Snowden sought out journalist Laura Poitras in large part because of her ability to use secure communication tools.
Angwin, Julia. Journalism After Snowden, p. 117