Five essential online security tips for digital nomads
The Internet made it possible for workers in the service economy to
do their jobs from any place that has a fast broadband connection. But
the Internet also opens up new avenues for criminals and surveillance.
If you’re a digital nomad, are thinking of becoming one, or simply
work remotely from time to time, it’s important to take your online
security seriously. As a leading data privacy company, we’ve compiled a
list of five essential online security tips for digital nomads. With the
summer holiday in full swing, now is a good time for everyone to review
these guidelines and avoid becoming a victim of the next big data
breach.
Be wary of unsolicited messages
Digital nomads receive a lot of unsolicited emails and even WhatsApp
messages. Working independently opens up lots of unexpected
opportunities, including from strangers and new acquaintances. But some
of those “opportunities” may be phishing attacks or social engineering
tactics.
You should treat every unsolicited message you receive as a
potential attack. Do not click on links or download attachments in
emails or text messages unless you know the sender. Sometimes clicking a
link or downloading an attachment can lead to ransomware or spyware
being installed on your device. Other times, a phishing link disguised
as a password reset can prompt you to divulge your username and password
to a hacker.
Generally speaking, you should keep sensitive personal information
private, including your family members’ names, your date of birth, and
your place of birth. Hackers can use this information to log in to your
accounts and steal your data.
Learn more: Check out these other email safety tips
Always use your own computer
You may, at some point, find yourself in a bind and need to use a
public computer in a library or Internet cafe. We would discourage ever
doing this. Public computers can easily be infected with keyloggers that
can steal your account credentials or other sensitive information that
you type. These computers may also be connected to insecure WiFi
networks that are monitoring your activity.
If you must use a computer that isn’t yours, avoid entering any
sensitive information. Check the device for suspicious hardware, such as
a USB drive, and inspect the list of installed software applications.
You can also view the Task Manager of the device to see what programs
are running. These solutions aren’t 100% effective though, because a
keylogger may be disguised as a legitimate application. It’s best to use
your own device for your work.
Use strong, unique passwords
Everyone needs good password habits, but digital nomads should
especially take care with their passwords. Being on the move and working
in public places can leave you particularly vulnerable to password
theft. For example, if you keep your passwords written on pieces of
paper, you could easily forget it or leave it exposed if you’re working
in a cafe. Shoulder surfing, or people reading your screen or watching
you type, is another way an attacker could steal your password when you
work in public places.
It’s important to use a unique password for each of your devices and
accounts. That way if one account is compromised, the others will
remain secure. Passwords should be at least 12 characters or four
unusual words if you use a passphrase. For storing all your passwords,
we recommend using a trusted password manager (a list of good password
managers is contained in the article linked below).
Just as crucial as using strong passwords is enabling two-factor
authentication (2FA). With 2FA enabled, you’ll need your username,
password, and a one-time code on your device to access your accounts.
Learn more: How to create a strong password
Data security when crossing borders
Digital nomads travel by definition. You may have wondered what can
happen to your data while crossing international borders. It turns out
that many countries have broad authority to search, confiscate, and
break into your devices when you’re trying to enter. Visitors to a
country typically have even fewer legal protections than citizens.
There are many legitimate reasons to want to protect your personal
or your company’s data from inspection. The best way to protect your
data while going through customs is to back it up to the cloud, wipe
your devices, and turn them off. Then you can reinstall your data and
apps once you’re through immigration. However, while you are going
through customs, be polite, comply with commands, and don’t lie (that
includes techie tricks to deceive border officers). See our full
recommendations in the link below.
Learn more: How to protect your device when crossing borders
Get a trustworthy VPN for digital nomads
A
virtual private network (VPN) is an indispensable online security and privacy tool for digital nomads. A
VPN
has several benefits. First, it protects you from network surveillance,
whether you’re concerned about hackers on public WiFi hotspots, or
governments or Internet service providers logging your activity. Second,
a VPN improves your privacy by masking your true
IP address.
And third, VPNs break down the barriers of geographical restrictions on
content. So whether you’re trying to access Netflix or Hulu securely,
bypass state censorship, or use websites as though you were back home, a
VPN is like a virtual passport for your device.
But beware: when you connect to a VPN, the company running the
VPN service
has access to all your browsing activity. So it’s important to choose a
trustworthy VPN that has a strict no logs policy and doesn’t monetize
your data.
For digital nomads, every day is an adventure. But there’s no need
to risk your online security. By following these five online security
tips, digital nomads can stay safe while living the dream.
https://www.ritavpn.com/blog/how-to-shop-safely-online/
https://www.ritavpn.com/blog/how-to-watch-netflix-with-a-vpn/
https://www.ritavpn.com/blog/how-to-avoid-throttling-from-isp/
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