Introducing: Passcode, the Monitor's new section on security and privacy

Passcode aims to be at the forefront of the most important news and ideas about cybersecurity and digital privacy with in-depth reporting and live events.

The Christian Science Monitor on Tuesday officially launched Passcode, a modern field guide to security and privacy. 

At a moment when data breaches are commonplace and criminal hackers more cunning, Passcode aims to deliver smart journalism for readers to better understand the complexities – and pitfalls – of our connected world. 

With our network of correspondents around the world, we'll provide a uniquely global perspective on cybersecurity and privacy and seek out the latest advances for defending against attacks. We've also assembled some of the leading thinkers in the field to create a hub for new and bold approaches to make the Internet safe and secure.

We're publishing on both the Monitor's website and premium digital storytelling platform. We'll also deliver news and commentary with regular e-mail newsletters. Signing up for that is the best way to stay up-to-date with our articles, analysis, and events. 

Passcode doesn't just exist on the Web, either: We'll gather key stakeholders to discuss pressing issues in-person. We want to build a community of readers and thinkers that we reach in person, online, and on our podcasts. 

To start things off, we are hosting three upcoming events in Washington:

Cyber Risk Wednesday: Breaking the Cyber Information Sharing Logjam

 Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015 – 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Atlantic Council.

Passcode columnist Jay Healey will moderate a discussion featuring White House Cybersecurity Coordinator Michael Daniel on the Obama administration's recent proposals for better practices to share information about cyber threats between private sector and government. Passcode is the exclusive media partner for this event, hosted by The Atlantic Council. Register here.

 Cyber Framework & Critical Infrastructure: A Look Back at Year One

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015 – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Center for National Policy

The Department of Homeland Security's chief cybersecurity official, Dr. Phyllis Schneck, will join Passcode and the Center for National Policy to discuss the progress of the nation's first cybersecurity standards to protect critical infrastructure – and the challenges ahead for information-sharing. Register here.

The Future of Cybersecurity Innovation

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015 – 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – St. Regis Hotel

Chief of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Information Innovation Office, Dan Kaufman, will join an elite panel to discuss trends in cybersecurity innovation. This Passcode event will also feature demonstration of Plan X, a system DARPA is designing to give the military instantaneous knowledge of network attacks by displaying them in real-time with rich graphics and 3-D visualizations. Register here.

Passcode is anchored in Boston and Washington. You can read of our bios here. We have reporters and freelancers with long track records of covering security, privacy, digital trends, and hacker culture. What's more, every month we'll publish commentary and ideas from our roster of columnists. 

Another exciting feature from Passcode will be our Influencers Poll. We've gathered more than 70 experts to vote in a regular survey about the most pressing issues in security and privacy. Our Influencers come from across government, the private sector, research, and the privacy advocacy community.