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Signal encrypts messages so that only the sender and recipient can see them. Messages can be configured to disappear after a set amount of time. Records related to your conversations, including who you talk to, are not stored.

To communicate with us, install Signal on your device. Then add our number above to your contacts.

The app does store your phone number and a limited number of timestamps related to your activity. For greater security, you may want to avoid using a personal or work phone.

You can learn more about the app's security features on Signal's website.

Do not call or send regular text messages to this number outside of Signal. You won't receive a reply.

If you want to send us confidential emails, you can use a tool called PGP. It encrypts the contents of an email, though email addresses, timestamps and subject lines are not concealed.

Don't know how to use PGP? Guides from the Electronic Frontier Foundation can show you how to download and set it up on Windows, Mac or Linux. If you want to encrypt messages in your browser, follow these guides to install Mailvelope on Chrome or Firefox.

Follow the instructions to generate your own set of PGP keys. Never share your private key with anyone.

Email your encrypted materials to us along with your public key so we can respond to you. Do not encrypt the public key.

For greater security, create a new email address to communicate with The Times.

Mail without a return address can be a confidential way to communicate because authorities need a warrant to open it. You should consider mailing your package from a sidewalk mailbox distant from where you live or work.