The topic of internet security can be a daunting one that we stress and worry about. In other circles, it can be totally neglected. My goal in this article isn’t to fill you with more fear about the topic of internet security. Neither will I tell you that you can keep on as you are doing, and you don’t have to worry about it. Instead, I will give you some guidelines and information. I hope these will be helpful in beginning to consider this. A more secure online presence will create a long and fruitful cross-cultural ministry.

Two Approaches

There are two major approaches to dealing with internet security on the field.

1) The High Tech Approach

This approach uses special software and services to hide our online interactions. In certain situations, it may serve you well to learn to use some of these services. Though they are ‘high-tech’ many of them are not any harder to learn to use than Gmail. This approach includes using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). These hide your internet activity. They use special secure email providers which based in other countries. So, they have no obligation to share your data with governments.

2) Tall Grass Approach

The second approach is to ‘hide in the tall grass’. This means that you use mass services for email

and communication like Gmail or Yahoo. With this approach, you would also limit your open communication about ministry. The safest way to talk about missions is really not to talk about it at all! Governments that spy on internet traffic could notice someone using Virtual Private Networks. They may also find it curious that you are accessing a rarely used secure email provider. Though they may not be able to see what you are accessing, they may be more likely to investigate. These services are typically used by people who want to hide something. This, however, is changing in some developing countries. More internet users are becoming aware of data privacy concerns. Many have begun using these services.

Research more and decide which approach is going to work best for your situation. Some factors to consider may be:

– the level of scrutiny that you receive as a cross-cultural worker

– the number of internet users

– the level of government surveillance

– internet usage trends.

Email

Missionaries love their email! Over the years people have adopted some hokey methods while trying to secure their email. They have added *s and @s in their b@ptisms and their chri*ians and done all sorts of other ‘creative writing’. We live in a day and age of artificial intelligence and advanced search algorithms. This makes those approaches of little help. If a government has access to your emails nothing is going to stop them from deciphering them. You have two choices. You can adopt the first approach of using a secure email provider. Or you can use a well-known email service and avoid openly talking about missions.

• High Tech Pick: Protonmail
• Tall Grass Pick: Gmail

Virtual Private Networks

VPNs are powerful tools. They hide your internet activity from your internet service provider. and from the government. They create an internet ‘tunnel.’ This makes it look like you are surfing the internet in another ‘open’ country. You can access your email and browse communication websites and social media websites. You can view my blog without allowing your internet service provider (ISP) to see what you are viewing. VPNs aren’t hard to use but you have to pay for many of the best options. Some VPNs operate as a browser plugin that secures only what you open in the browser. Other VPNs are an application on your computer or phone. They secure all internet traffic so your email programs like Outlook will be secured as well.

• High Tech Picks: StrongVPN, ProtonVPN
• Tall Grass Pick: Don’t use one but limit your browsing

MailChimp And Newsletters

Communication is important. We want to keep our supporters and prayer partners informed. That’s why sending newsletters is so important. There is a super safe way to send newsletters. Have somebody back home print out and mail them the old-fashioned way! But many of us want to use MailChimp or other modern services. Here’s how to be smart about using them:

2 Quick Newsletter Tune-ups

1) When you create a contact list in MailChimp click on ‘Settings’ from the pull-down arrow next to the list. Then click on ‘Publicity Settings’. Under ‘promote my campaign’ select ‘No, my campaigns for this list are not public’. Then scroll down and uncheck the box next to ‘Activate the archive list for this list’. This will keep your campaigns from being accessed and searchable online.

Or, you can choose a paid service like ConvertKit (what this blog loves using- and has an affiliate link for). None of your broadcasts will ever be public.

2) When you create an email to send out make sure you delete the social share bar. It is in the default templates showing logos of Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. This will prevent your subscribers from posting your email publicly! Many people add a special line in their email. It says, “this newsletter is not to be posted on the internet or shared on social media.”

Safe Journeys On The Information Highway

The internet is a powerful tool. It can be a potentially dangerous one to missionaries. If you are serving in a closed country, be careful. These governments want to restrict access to the Gospel.

My prayer is for wisdom for you to discern which plan of action is best for you. Do all that you can do to secure your communication but don’t give into fear or worry. Trust that The Lord will keep you in the place He needs you for as long as He needs you there!

In a few weeks, we will be posting another blog especially related to Facebook and Social Media. If you found this helpful, keep checking back for that one too!