"With digital information so vulnerable to theft, it’s imperative for journalists to be proactive in protecting confidential sources and data. But too few people are taking the threat seriously," according to a report on the American Journalism Review website by Sherry Ricchiardi.

Former News of the World Editor Rebekah Brooks appeared briefly in court today in relation to alleged phone hacking. The Guardian reports that "Brooks, 44, appeared alone in the dock to hear bail conditions banning her from contacting six co-defendants, and to give police seven days notice of any foreign travel." Her next court appearance is scheduled for 26 September.

Veteran journalist, editor and blogger Steve Yelvington answers the question "Where does local media site traffic come from, anyway?"

A letter to Jim Romenesko, reprinted on his website, points out that a free plagiarism checker used by high school teachers has found more examples of "journalistic misdeeds" by Jonah Lehrer.

For more industry news, please see WAN-IFRA's Executive News Service.