If you have mastered the art of tactfully shielding your screen from the prying eyes of onlookers, you are probably well on the way to being comfortable with working from anywhere (it’s all about choosing the right seat in the café).
To truly become a no-nonsense digital nomad, however, there are plenty of behind-the-scenes elements to address and conquer, one of which is the act of protecting your data.
Having all of your hard work undone by a data breach is a cruel fate to have to endure and one that is generally avoidable, provided you put the right measures in place.
Get a VPN
A VPN is one of the digital nomad’s most valuable allies, particularly since security issues are a prevalent part of what makes online wayfaring life so difficult.
There will likely be times when logging into a public WI-FI network is simply unavoidable, no matter how perilously suspicious it might be.
In this regard, a VPN is a must, as it not only disguises your location from hackers, but its data encryption abilities can hide you from surveillance and bypass firewalls.
If you needed a little extra convincing or did not know which option to go for, you can learn more about the process here.
Backing Up Your Data
Unfortunately, there are many ways to lose valuable data, whether from malicious actors or the more traditional way of simply leaving your laptop on a bus.
Backing up your data is essential in taking a preemptive approach to online and offline safety, so now might be the right time to take your efforts to the cloud.
External hard drives can also be a fantastic way to store your data, as it enables you to access it offline, and many of the best options come with some great security, such as keypads and inbuilt encryption.
Device Locators
If you do accidentally leave your device somewhere, there is every chance you can track it down like a bloodhound if you implement some location software.
From Find My Phone to Hoverwatch and Glympse are all good apps for this, but if you needed a physical failsafe, the Apple Airtag or the Cube Shadow might be worth checking out, as this can allow you to track any device you can attach them to.
Depending on where your travels take you, whether that’s the end of your street or the peaks of the Pyrenees, it is probably worth equipping yourself with some GPS locating software, so someone can locate you in case of an emergency.
Browser Safety
Not all browsers boast the same level of security, so it might be worth readdressing your preferred option in your adventures as a digital nomad extraordinaire.
On top of choosing a fully committed browser to privacy and security, however, there are some great extensions that can help you look after your data, such as Privacy Badger and uBlock Origin.
Keeping yourself and your data safe should be a top priority wherever your travels take you, as this is often the best route towards becoming an efficient, successful digital nomad.