If you often find yourself working while on the move, then the chances are that you rely on a handful of digital devices. With the help of a laptop, phone, and a Wi-Fi signal, it’s now possible to work from just about anywhere in the world. But doing this effectively means being aware of the risks of working online, especially if you’re connecting through an unfamiliar network.
Secure your connections
One of the great things about a modern cafe, hotel, or airport is that it often provides complimentary Wi-Fi. Routers are extremely cheap and easy to set up, which makes these services commonplace. What isn’t commonplace, however, is the technical expertise necessary to make these secure. If you’re connecting through a network that you aren’t in control of, in other words, you run the risk of having your data intercepted by hackers and other unscrupulous actors.
Fortunately, there’s a way around this. Simply connect via a Virtual Private Network. In so doing, you’ll be able to encrypt every message you send, whether it’s a browser request or an email. That way, your data cannot be read, even if it is intercepted.
It’s easy to set a service like this up on your phone, via one of a range of specialized apps. A VPN for iPhone, for example, might allow you to connect securely on an iOS-based device.
Safeguard your devices
When you’re travelling, there’s always a danger that your devices might be stolen and physically carried away. If this were to happen, how easily would the thief be able to get into your device?
Here’s where you might consider additional security measures. Lock your device, and have it lock itself in a few minutes when you aren’t using it. You might also set up a fingerprint or face-recognition-based lock screen, and encrypt your storage drives. Updating your software is also essential – this will help to ensure that any vulnerabilities have been addressed.
Doing all of these things might not be a watertight method of keeping your data safe. But it might buy you the time you need, and prevent sensitive data, like contracts and customer accounts, from being exposed.
Back up your files before departure
Are you carrying around the only copies of any very important files? This is asking for trouble. Make sure that you perform regular backups – ideally automatic ones – with the help of a secure, trusted cloud service. This will allow you to recover from stolen or corrupted data.
Stay alert in physical spaces
When you’re out in public with a high-value asset like a laptop or a phone, you leave yourself vulnerable to that asset being physically swiped. Or, you might find that an attacker simply peers at your screen or takes a photo to steal data.
Make sure that laptops are never left unattended, and you’re mindful of strangers at all times – especially in spaces you’re unfamiliar with.
Conclusion
You don’t need to be paranoid about the prospect of data loss. What matters is that you’re aware of the risk and that you take appropriate precautions where warranted. Once you’ve gotten into the habit of backing up your data and you understand the principles behind encryption, you might gain valuable peace of mind while you’re on your travels.