SecureDrop

SecureDrop

SecureDrop is an open-source whistleblower submission system that media organizations can use to securely accept documents from anonymous sources. It facilitates secure communication between journalists and sources.
SecureDrop image
anonymity journalism leaks privacy security

SecureDrop: Open-Source Whistleblower Submission System

An open-source whistleblower submission system for media organizations to securely accept documents from anonymous sources, facilitating secure communication between journalists and sources.

What is SecureDrop?

SecureDrop is an open-source whistleblower submission system that media organizations can use to securely accept documents from anonymous sources. It facilitates secure communication between journalists and sources.

Developed by the Freedom of the Press Foundation, SecureDrop aims to make it easier and safer for whistleblowers to submit information to journalists. The system uses multiple layers of encryption to protect the identity of sources and prevent surveillance or tampering.

Some key features of SecureDrop:

  • Runs on Linux servers using industry-standard encryption tools to protect submissions
  • Accessible only through the Tor anonymity network to prevent monitoring of traffic
  • Allows two-way anonymous communication between journalists and sources
  • Stores document submissions encrypted until accessed by journalists in a secured environment
  • Under active development by Freedom of the Press Foundation with audits and security improvements

Major international media organizations such as the Associated Press, Gizmodo Media Group, and The Globe and Mail use SecureDrop to facilitate tips from whistleblowers and other confidential sources. It has become an industry standard for enabling safe, anonymous document sharing between journalists and their sources.

SecureDrop Features

Features

  1. Allows anonymous sources to securely submit documents to journalists
  2. Uses Tor anonymity network to protect source identity
  3. Encrypts and anonymizes submissions
  4. Open source code can be audited for security
  5. Designed for use by media organizations and journalists

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Protects source anonymity

Allows secure communication with sources

Open source code promotes transparency

Free for anyone to use and install

Cons

Requires some technical expertise to install and configure

Anonymous submissions may lack context or verification

Requires ongoing maintenance and administration


The Best SecureDrop Alternatives

Top Security & Privacy and Whistleblowing and other similar apps like SecureDrop

Here are some alternatives to SecureDrop:

Suggest an alternative ❐

Tellonym icon

Tellonym

Tellonym is an anonymous social messaging application launched in 2017. It allows users to receive and send anonymous messages called 'tells'.To use Tellonym, users sign up by choosing a username. They are then given a unique Tellonym link that they can share with others. Anyone with this link can anonymously...
Tellonym image
GlobaLeaks icon

GlobaLeaks

GlobaLeaks is an open-source whistleblowing software designed to enable organizations to easily set up secure online dropboxes for receiving anonymous submissions of documents detailing corruption, crime, abuse or wrongdoing. It facilitates and encourages whistleblowing while protecting whistleblower anonymity through encrypted and anonymous communication.Some key features of GlobaLeaks include:Easy to install...
GlobaLeaks image