Keep your secret diary safe

The whole point of a diary is that you can write things you wouldn't say out loud. The stuff you're processing. The things you're not proud of. The weird thoughts. If there's even a chance someone might read it, you hold back – and then what's the point?

The problem with paper diaries

Paper diaries have a long history and there's something nice about writing by hand. But security-wise, they're terrible. Your roommate can find it. Your family can stumble across it. You can lose it. Years of your most private thoughts, accessible to anyone who opens a drawer.

Digital does this better

A digital diary can be password protected and encrypted. Even if someone gets your phone, they can't read your entries. Even if the service gets hacked, proper encryption means your words stay private. That's not paranoia – it's the minimum bar for something this personal.

What to look for

• Password or biometric lock. The app should require authentication to open.
• Encryption. Your entries should be unreadable without your password, even to the company running the service.
• Export options. You should be able to get your data out if you ever want to switch.

A diary is only useful if you can be completely honest in it. Security is what makes that possible.