This two-part digital risk assessment form is designed to help journalists think about how to mitigate digital risk in both their everyday life and when covering a particular story. The following templates are designed to accompany CPJ’s Digital Safety Kit, which has practical steps that journalists can follow in order to help them complete the risk assessment process.
Before completing any risk assessment form, all journalists, including freelancers, should have a conversation with relevant team members/editors or even family members/friends, who should have copies of the completed form.
When completing this form, it is important to document in as much detail as possible the dangers journalists may be exposed to; to assess how to mitigate those risks; and to include a contingency plan. For additional details on questions that should be considered and information that should be included in this form, please see CPJ’s Safety Note on Basic Preparedness.