Living the digital nomad life is an exhilarating adventure—working from beach-side cafés, exploring new cities, and meeting people from around the world. But with the freedom of working remotely comes the responsibility of staying safe online. In an age where our lives are increasingly digital, maintaining your privacy and security is crucial, especially when you’re constantly on the move. Digital security varies greatly between countries. Here’s a detailed guide to digital safety for the modern nomad, designed to keep you secure while you run off to explore the world. Let's see what staying safe as a digital nomad means.
Secure Your Devices
Your devices are your lifeline as a digital nomad, so protecting them should be your top priority. Here’s our tips on how to ensure you keep them secure!
Use Strong Passwords: It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people still use “password123” as their go-to. Opt for complex passwords that mix letters, numbers, and symbols. Better yet, use a password manager to create and store them securely.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Wherever possible, enable 2FA on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification—usually a code sent to your phone—before you can access your account. Be mindful of if you will have access to this phone number on your travels though!
Keep Software Updated: Regularly updating your software isn’t just about getting new features; it’s crucial for patching security vulnerabilities. Make sure your operating system, apps, and antivirus software are up to date.
Use a Quality Antivirus: While travelling, you will more than likely connect to various networks, some of which could be less secure. A good antivirus can protect you from malware, phishing attacks, and other online threats.
Safeguard Your Internet Connection
As a digital nomad, you’ll often be relying on multiple different public Wi-Fi connections, which can be a goldmine for hackers. Here’s how to stay safe while connected:
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for anyone to snoop on your online activities. Whether you’re logging into your bank account or sending sensitive emails, a VPN keeps your data secure.
Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s also risky. If you must use it, avoid accessing sensitive information, like online banking or private emails. If possible, use your phone’s data or use a portable hotspot instead.
Disable Auto-Connect: Turn off the auto-connect feature on your devices to prevent them from automatically joining networks you’ve connected to in the past. This can reduce the risk of accidentally connecting to a malicious network.
Protect Your Personal Information: Staying Safe as a Digital Nomad
When you’re constantly on the move and busy enjoying your best life, it’s so easy to let your guard down when it comes to personal information! Staying Safe as a Digital Nomad means staying focused. However, keeping your data private is essential:
Limit What You Share Online: It’s tempting to share your every move on social media, but broadcasting your location and travel plans can make you a target. Consider posting about your adventures after you’ve left a location, and keep personal details to a minimum. This is especially applicable if you’re travelling in countries with more risky security situations.
Secure Your Email: Your email is often the gateway to many of your online accounts. Ensure your email account is secure with a strong password and 2FA. Be extra cautious of phishing emails that may try to trick you into revealing personal information.
Back Up Your Data: Losing your laptop or phone can be devastating, especially if it contains important work files or personal memories from your adventures. Regularly back up your data to the cloud or an external hard drive to ensure you can recover it if needed – I learnt this the hard way when my phone was stolen in Ecuador and my iCloud hadn’t backed up! I lost all the memories from the trip so far. Check in regularly when your photos and memories were last backed up.
Be Smart About Your Online Presence
Your online presence is part of your identity as a digital nomad, but it’s important to manage it wisely:
Separate Work and Personal Accounts: Keeping your work and personal accounts separate can help protect your privacy. Use different email addresses, social media accounts, and even different devices if possible, to ensure that your professional and personal lives don’t mix too much.
Monitor Your Digital Footprint: Regularly check what information is available about you online. Google yourself, review your social media privacy settings, and be aware of what others can see. This is especially important for potential future employment.
Use Secure Payment Methods: When making purchases or handling finances online, use secure payment methods like PayPal or virtual credit cards. These methods offer additional layers of protection and reduce the risk of your financial information being compromised.
Stay Safe Physically While Being Digitally Secure
Digital safety goes hand in hand with physical safety, especially when travelling. Staying safe as a digital nomad should be considered for both the online and offline world:
Keep Devices Out of Sight: Flashing expensive gadgets can make you a target for theft. When you’re not using your devices, keep them securely stored out of sight. This is super important when travelling in countries and continents where the risk of theft is greater, such as some South American countries and cities.
Use a Password on Your Devices: Ensure all your devices are password-protected, and set them to lock automatically after a short period of inactivity. This way, if they’re lost or stolen, your information remains secure. If you have an iPhone, add ‘locate my iPhone to it’.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: When working in public spaces, be mindful of your surroundings. Someone could be looking over your shoulder, so avoid accessing sensitive information in crowded places, and be aware of who is around you. If something about a place feels off, then leave.
Know the Local Laws and Regulations
As a digital nomad, you’ll be hopping from one country to another, and each country may have different laws regarding internet usage, privacy, and data protection – and this can be a lot to keep on top of! Here’s how to stay compliant:
Research Before You Go: Before arriving in a new country, research its digital laws and regulations. Some countries have strict internet censorship, and accessing certain websites or apps could be illegal. This applies to sanctioned counties such as Iran where you can’t access sites such as Google Business and Syria where you can’t access Slack. Other countries, such as the UAE, have all video calling functions on apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger banned. Sometimes a VPN can get around these issues.
Consider Digital Insurance: If you rely heavily on your devices for work, consider getting digital insurance that covers theft, loss, and damage, especially when travelling to places where these risks are higher.
Being a digital nomad is about embracing freedom, flexibility, and the thrill of new experiences. But with great freedom comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to your digital safety. Staying Safe as a Digital Nomad is so important. By taking these precautions, you can protect yourself from online threats, safeguard your personal information, and ensure that your journey as a digital nomad is just as secure as it is adventurous.
Remember, safety isn’t just about keeping yourself safe – it’s about keeping your online presence and work equipment safe too! Follow our above advice to ensure you explore the world with confidence, knowing that your digital life is secure. Safe travels, and happy nomading!
Sign up to our newsletter for more tips & updates! 💌
Kommentit