Open-Source Security contributed to more secure journalism.

Open-source software has been an increasingly growing field for software, and for good reason. It allows the creative outlets of multiple talents to contribute to a single cause, without the constraints and politics of the corporate world. However the issue of security has a hot-button issue in both the corporate and political arena. Ever since the revelations of the NSA's spying on American citizen's metadata, companies have been taking extra measures to secure the privacy of not only their users, but their assets as well.

The article covers the differences between the security differences in between two texting services: WhatsApp and TextSecure. It also covers the different means that journalists utilize open-source encryption software to protect their information. WhatsApp was produced by a silicon valley start-up, netting in million dollars worth of net profits. The messages processed in WhatsApp does not work on a “end-to-end” basis however, meaning that information can be tapped into by 3^rd parties such malicious third party groups, administrators, or worst: the NSA. TextSecure, an open-source endeavor utilizes encryption that is end-to-end and very secure. A big plus for it is that is it is available on CynanogenMod, a universal android-based OS that can utilized on android phones hardwired with out-dated OS(s).

Another example of open source encryption is the Tails operating system, which can be run off a USB or CD, rather than a hard drive. Nearly all the processes are encrypted, and any traces of activity are deleted when the user is finished their usage session. These tools have been a means to fight against censorship that has prevalent in today's media. Especially on the topics regarding whistle-blowers that speak out against spying and government corruption. One notable example is Edward Snowden, whose contributions have led to numerous protests and activist movements in both the world-wide-web as well on Capital Hill. I would not be surprised if open-source will be the next secure means of cyber-security in the near future. With the software industry growing exponentially, talents will be dispersed across many specialties, as well as geographic locations. Open-source bridges those gaps, and allows for much more cohesive collaboration. While there is no profit to be made, companies and start-ups are taking in donations in order to provide incentive and compensation for developers taking part in open-source. While new, it is definitely a prospect that many companies are starting to slowly delving into.

Timm, Trevor . "Why It's Vital For Users to Fund Open-Source Encryption Tools." Freedom of the Press Foundation. N.p., 27 Feb. 2014. Web. 4 Mar. 2014. <https://pressfreedomfoundation.org/blog/2014/02/why-its-vital-public-fund-open-source-encryption-tools>.

Coleman, Gabriella. "The Political Agnosticism of Free and Open Source Software and the Inadvertent Politics of Contrast." Project Muse. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Mar. 2014. <http://muse.jhu.edu/login?auth=0&type=summary&url=/journals/anthropological_quarterly/v077/77.3coleman.html>.