Have you ever had a mini heart attack when you realize your smartphone is MIA, only to find it buried somewhere in the black hole of your backpack? Yes, the struggle is real – especially for digital nomads.
For those of you who work remotely or freelance, constantly hopping from one city to another, your smartphone isn’t just a tool – it’s your portable office, compass, and entertainment hub all rolled into one sleek device. However, here’s one thing you need to remember: navigating the digital world can be as tricky as finding your way through a foreign city without Google Maps.
If you are a digital nomad worried about your online security, we’ve put together 10 practical smartphone security tips that will keep your digital lifestyle safe.
Top smartphone security tips for digital nomads
Here are a few tips that will help you enhance your online security and privacy without compromising your nomadic journey.
1. Use a VPN for public WiFi
Digital nomads frequently connect to public WiFi networks. While free internet is no less than a blessing, it also exposes you to a range of cybersecurity threats. However, you can protect your digital lifestyle by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which encrypts your internet traffic, thus protecting your data from potential hackers on unsecured networks.
Choose a reliable VPN service such as PureVPN, and activate it whenever you connect to public WiFi to ensure a secure browsing experience.
2. Enable biometric authentication
There is no denying that digital nomads rely heavily on their smartphones for working and traveling. However, since four-digit PINs are considered a weak line of defense, you may want to use biometric authentication methods to prevent unauthorized access to your device.
Most smartphones offer fingerprint scanning and facial recognition options, which can be a convenient and secure way to unlock your device. It is one of the top security tips that can keep your confidential data from falling into the wrong hands.
3. Keep the software updated
Though it may feel rather annoying at times, it’s important for digital nomads to regularly check their smartphones for software updates on your smartphone. These updates may be a little time-consuming, but they often include security patches that address vulnerabilities identified by manufacturers or developers.
It is a good idea to enable automatic updates to ensure your device is always protected, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
4. Activate remote tracking and wiping
No one is immune to accidents. If you’re traveling and are concerned about losing your phone, you may want to enable remote tracking. It is worth noting that both iOS and Android devices offer built-in features for tracking and remotely wiping your smartphone.
On iOS, you can use “Find My” and on Android, turn on “Find My Device.” Familiarize yourself with the procedures so that, in case of loss or theft, you can take immediate action to locate or erase your device.
5. Use strong, unique passwords
It’s a good practice to create passwords that combine both uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. If you have multiple social media and online banking accounts, please make sure to use a different password for each. It is also recommended to avoid using easily guessable information – such as birthdays, addresses, and common words.
You can also consider using a reputable password manager such as PureKeep to generate and store impossible-to-crack passwords.
Read more: 10 common scams digital nomads must be aware of
6. Review app permissions
Do you know how many people allow apps to access their microphones and cameras without thinking twice about it? Well, the answer is a lot.
If you want to protect your confidential data, regularly review the permissions granted to your apps. It is important to ensure that each app has only the necessary permissions for its functionality. If an app requests access to sensitive data or features that seem unnecessary, reconsider whether you want to keep it installed.
7. Beware of phishing attacks
Cybersecurity experts have noted a massive increase in phishing attacks over the past year. Therefore, digital nomads must always be skeptical of unsolicited emails, messages, or links.
Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources, and verify the legitimacy of any communication that requests sensitive information. You can also install a reputable antivirus app to add an extra layer of protection against malware.
8. Secure your cloud storage
If you use cloud storage services, such as Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive, you can further protect them from hackers by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). Regularly audit your stored data, ensuring that confidential files are encrypted. Use secure, unique passwords for your cloud accounts, and avoid using the same credentials across multiple services.
9. Encrypt your device
Encryption converts your stored data into unreadable code, making it challenging for unauthorized users to access your information. As a digital nomad, you enable device encryption in your smartphone’s security settings. This would help you safeguard your data, especially if your device contains sensitive business or personal information.
Moreover, you can use encryption tools such as PureEncrypt to keep your important documents and photos away from prying eyes.
10. Regularly backup your devices
This is one of the top smartphone security tips for digital nomads. Either set up automatic backups or perform manual backups regularly. This ensures that if your device is lost, stolen, or compromised, you can quickly restore your essential data.
You can use both cloud-based and local backup solutions for comprehensive data protection. In addition, check out our comprehensive guide on data backup methods to keep your data safe at all times.
On a final note
In the grand adventure of being a digital nomad, your smartphone is like a trusty sidekick – always there, but sometimes in need of a little extra protection. As you juggle work and travel, this guide can steer you through the digital Wild West.
Put simply, your phone isn’t just a gadget – it’s the heart of your nomadic lifestyle. Let’s keep them safe and sound, ensuring that your virtual and real-world adventures remain as smooth as possible.
Stay connected to PureVPN Blog for more tips on how to improve your digital security. You can also share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read more: 5 tips for secure online banking as a digital nomad
