Life as a digital nomad can be hugely rewarding. But it also comes with a whole series of risks, which, if you’re going to get the most from your work, will need to be managed.
By definition, a digital nomad will need to create and submit work using an internet connection. Sometimes, however, the network to which you’re connecting might not be secure. This being the case, it’s worth taking a few extra precautions yourself.
Protecting Your Devices and Data on the Move
Your machine will need to be protected against malicious programs. A piece of malware might wipe or encrypt your entire storage drive, or log your keystrokes.
One way to guard against this possibility is to use the right kind of antivirus, and to keep it updated as a matter of habit. Your operating system is even more important; it, too, should be regularly updated.
The passwords you use should be difficult to guess, containing a variety of numbers, letters, and other characters. The easiest way to compose and remember a secure password is to use a password manager to do the job for you.
If you want to be able to access your data from anywhere in the world, and keep it secure, then using a remote storage server is ideal. A range of free cloud storage services now exist; you’ll want to pick one that’s reputable and robust. For those managing large workloads or sensitive files, a dedicated infrastructure provider like Datum can offer added security and reliability beyond standard cloud storage
Safe Use of Public WiFi and VPNs
Logging onto a public WiFi network carries serious risk, since anyone on the network could theoretically observe your activity, and even steal your data. The best way to deal with this is to connect to a Virtual Private Network.
You might also ensure that your device won’t connect automatically to an unknown network, and that you don’t submit sensitive data, like payment information, when you don’t know that the network is secure.
Strong Authentication and Account Security
A strong password often isn’t secure enough for some sensitive services, like bank accounts. Using two-factor authentication is a way of getting around this. What this means is that you’ll need a particular device, like your mobile phone, in order to authenticate a login on an unfamiliar machine. This is easily done, and thus there’s no good reason not to do it.
Staying Informed About International Data Protection Laws
Fortunately, the modern internet is governed by a host of data protection laws, which prevent companies from keeping hold of your data for longer than they need to. The laws vary from country to country, however. If you’re holding on to sensitive data as part of your work as a digital nomad, it’s vital that you become aware of the laws you’re expected to abide by, and that you do so fastidiously!