The incredible advancement in technology has forever changed the way that we do business. With an array of mobile devices and sophisticated cloud platforms, starting a location-independent, virtual business has never before been easier. This is a dream for many. You can travel as much as desired, you get to meet new cultures and people, and most importantly, you manage your work according to your own needs.
Before you embark on the digital nomad lifestyle, it is important to understand the risks involved. You are vulnerable to security risks if you’re a tech-savvy traveler who lives out of a bag. Here are some safety tips that you should always remember.
Keep your Valuables Safe
You should choose your work spot carefully, whether you are in an internet café or co-working area. For example, it is best to sit at the back of the space or with your back against a wall. You will be able to see your screen without anyone looking over at you. Here’s what you should know about your equipment.
Do not keep your equipment out of sight. You will have little time to be attentive to the things going on around you when you are working. You should never leave your tablet or phone on the table when you go to the restroom or even worse, you shouldn’t have them next to you. It’s an invitation for petty thefts and your valuables could be stolen in seconds.
Don’t bring expensive gear you don’t need. Do you really need that iPod? A phone and laptop are essentials, but is your iPod so important? You can leave all the expensive equipment and other unnecessary items in your room rather than carrying them around. You don’t know who else may have a key to the room so you should also lock all your valuables in a hotel or in-room safe.
Protect your backpack. If you’re a digital nomad and need to fit your whole life into a backpack, then this is the guide for you. This is something that thieves are well aware of. You need to secure your bag effectively. You could, for example, invest in a backpack that is theft-proof. You can still track the backpack if you want to.
Insurance for business equipment is important. Make sure your travel insurance includes your equipment. Your insurance will cover the loss of your valuables if they are stolen, lost or damaged by a common carrier such as an airline, hotel or staff. You should also consider purchasing an annual travel plan, especially if you will be traveling frequently.
Save your data by moving to the cloud
We have moved nearly every aspect of life online today. This is also true for businesses. Cloud platforms have become more accessible thanks to intuitive tech solutions. They allow for unrestricted file access, data transmission and communication across channels. Cloud storage is a better alternative to onsite backups because it ensures your data won’t be damaged if you lose your equipment or if it gets stolen.
Getting tons of space for free has never been easier. This is not the only thing you should look for. You should always consider how a cloud vendor will protect your privacy. The majority of these platforms, such as CrashPlan , Backblaze and Carbonite provide advanced data encryption to make the backup of sensitive information safer. The copies of files that you wish to backup are encrypted before they are transferred to the cloud service provider’s servers. Your files are also encrypted while they’re on the cloud provider’s servers.
Consider a VPN
You are a digital nomad who is often forced to share computers and use public or semipublic wifi. This compromises your security . Anyone using the same network could intercept sensitive data such as usernames, credit card numbers, and passwords. This is why you should invest in a VPN.
Virtual Remote Network (VPN) is a technology that protects all of your internet traffic. It also “hide’s” you from public network users, making you harder to track. After you download a VPN application for your phone or laptop and select a server, all your data is encrypted within seconds. A VPN can help you to access sites like Netflix and HBO that are blocked in certain countries.
You need to thoroughly research the many VPN plans available, both paid and free, including TunnelBear Private Internet Access VPN NordVPN IPVanishVPN. Choose a VPN that’s easy to use, compatible with your devices, and offers acceptable speeds.
Conclusions
No matter how exciting digital nomads’ lives are, they must be aware of any safety issues that may arise. This article will hopefully help you to address this issue effectively. To make the most out of your digital nomad career, it is important to improve the security of your business files, equipment and sensitive data online.