If you’re a digital nomad, chances are you’re doing your work on the move. But how can you keep your work and your equipment safe as you travel? Read on for more…
If you’re doing work on the go, chances are you’re carrying a laptop, a mobile phone, and other technological items as you travel. You’re also probably using Wi-Fi from coffee shops or other common workplaces. This can mean that you’re at a higher risk of theft or malware infection, and could mean your work is jeopardised.
Luckily, there are some simple ways to keep your work safe and secure when on the move. Read on for ideas…
Make sure you only have what you need
It might be tempting to keep all your important digital files or all your technological equipment with you at all times, but this can be dangerous if you are the victim of theft or a computer virus. If you can, keep your valuables locked in a safe place, such as a hotel room safe or with a friend, and only take what you need with you to your workplace. The same goes for your files – only have what you need on your laptop or phone and have everything else backed up in the cloud or on an external hard drive.
Don’t advertise
It might seem like common sense, but make sure you’re not advertising that you’re carrying valuable items with you. Don’t carry your laptop in a dedicated laptop bag – find a backpack or handbag that will still protect your tech, but doesn’t obviously look like it has a laptop in it. Make sure your phone is unobtrusive – you can switch out your phone case for something simple to make it less obvious to thieves.
Protect yourself
It’s sensible to set up basic protection for your digital devices to avoid getting caught out by malware. Installing a personal firewall on your laptop and making sure it doesn’t automatically share with local printers or public folders is a great first step. Encryption can be enabled on both your laptop and your phone, making sure that thieves can’t access important work information.
Watch out for Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi can be a blessing when you’re in dire need of the internet for work, but it’s also an easy way for shady characters to gain access to your tech. You should make sure that each webpage you access is encrypted – each URL should start with an “https”, rather than “http”. You should “forget” Wi-Fi networks once you’ve used them to avoid your laptop connecting automatically to any new networks. You can also use a virtual private network, or VPN, to ensure that your digital usage is private.
Be aware
The best way to protect yourself and your information is to be aware. If there are known scams in the area you’re travelling in, read up on them beforehand. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, and if you’re not sure about an on-the-go workplace, give it a miss. Making sure your work stays confidential could be the key to new jobs, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Posted by The Secret Businessman
Images courtesy of Press Association