Who are digital nomads?
Digital nomads are people who work remotely while living in a more mobile way. They usually rely on technology and internet access to work from different locations, often staying in temporary accommodation and using cafés, co-working spaces, public libraries or other places with Wi-Fi.
The digital nomad lifestyle has become increasingly common in recent years. According to MBO Partners, millions of professionals now describe themselves as digital nomads, reflecting the continued growth of remote and location-independent work. According to MBO Partners
It is also worth mentioning expats, who usually live in one foreign country for a longer period and often plan to return home. While digital nomads and expats may have different lifestyles, both should consider information security risks when working abroad.
How to prepare before working from abroad
Before a trip, there are many practical things to check. Is your device updated? Will your tools work from another country? Can you connect to company systems securely? How will you protect your privacy while working in public?
To make it easier, we have divided the recommendations into technical and behavioural ones.
Protect your screen in public spaces
You may have noticed that in banks or other organisations, it is often difficult to see what employees are doing on their screens. This is usually because they use privacy filters. A privacy filter is a simple screen accessory that limits the viewing angle of your laptop display.
If you are working in a café, airport or shared office, people sitting beside you will see a dark screen instead of your work. This helps reduce the risk of someone seeing sensitive information.
Check your audio equipment
Good headphones are not only about comfort. They can also help protect information during calls. Use headphones with limited sound leakage, noise cancellation and a reliable microphone to reduce the risk of nearby individuals overhearing confidential conversations.
Prepare your devices before the trip
Give yourself enough time to prepare before travelling. Make sure your computer, operating system, applications and security tools are updated.
It is also useful to check with your IT team whether they can support you remotely if something goes wrong. This can save time if you face access, VPN, software or device issues while abroad.
Check internet availability and restrictions
Before travelling to another country, check whether there are internet restrictions that could affect your work tools. In some countries, certain platforms, websites or VPN services may be restricted or difficult to use.
This may cause issues when connecting to company systems, joining meetings or accessing specific tools.
Separate work and personal use where possible
Some people travel with only one device, usually their company laptop. As a result, the same device is used for both work and personal activities.
This can increase risk. Personal browsing, downloads, streaming websites or unverified applications may expose the device to malware or other threats. If possible, use a personal device for personal activities. If you must use your work device, avoid risky websites, downloads and applications.
How to stay secure while travelling
Once your trip starts, security becomes part of your everyday routine. Public networks, shared spaces and unfamiliar environments can increase risk, so a few simple habits can help you protect both your devices and your work data.
Use a VPN
If your company provides a VPN, use it whenever connecting to company systems, especially from public or shared networks. A VPN helps encrypt your connection and reduce exposure when using Wi‑Fi in hotels, cafés, airports, co-working spaces or other public locations. Where possible, mobile data or personal hotspots may provide an additional layer of security compared to open public Wi‑Fi networks.
Keep antivirus and security tools active
Use approved antivirus or endpoint protection software and keep it updated. Regular scans and active protection can help reduce the risk of malware, ransomware, spyware and other threats. Avoid disabling security tools or ignoring security warnings unless explicitly instructed to do so by your IT team security.
Prevent data loss
Store important files in approved cloud storage or company systems rather than only on your device. This helps protect data if your laptop is lost, stolen or damaged. It is also important to ensure device storage is encrypted, as encryption helps protect information if a device falls into unauthorised hands.
Use device tracking where allowed
When travelling, devices are more exposed to loss or theft. Keep your laptop, phone and other work tools within sight, especially in public places. Where allowed by your company policies, enable device tracking features. This may help locate or remotely secure a device if it is lost or stolen.
Avoid discussing sensitive information in public
Even if you are abroad, you cannot assume that people around you do not understand your language or your business context. If you have an online meeting in a public place, avoid discussing confidential information. When needed, continue the conversation through secure chat or wait until you are in a more private space.
Choose private working spaces when needed
If your work involves sensitive data, the safest option is to work from your hotel room, apartment or another private space. If you need to work from a public place, choose your seat carefully. A corner table or a spot away from busy areas can give you more privacy and reduce the chance of someone seeing your screen or overhearing your calls.
Do not leave your devices unattended
Avoid leaving laptops, phones or storage devices unattended, even in co-working spaces or cafés. It only takes a few seconds for a device to be stolen or tampered with. If you need to step away, lock the device and take it with you whenever possible.
Lock your computer and log out when needed
Always lock your computer before taking a break. Also, remember to log out of systems when you no longer need them, especially when using browser-based tools. Keep your workspace clean and avoid leaving notes, passwords or sensitive documents where others can see them.
Final thoughts
The digital nomad lifestyle is likely to remain part of modern work. Remote work, flexible employment and the growing number of co-working spaces have made it easier for people to work from different locations.
However, working while travelling also creates additional information security risks. Public networks, shared spaces, unfamiliar environments and increased device exposure all require more attention.
The good news is that many risks can be reduced with simple habits: preparing your devices, using secure connections, protecting your screen, avoiding sensitive conversations in public and staying aware of your surroundings.
Being a digital nomad can be exciting. With the right security habits, it can also be significantly safer for both individuals and organisations. Want to make remote work more secure?
Baltic Amadeus can help assess your current security practices and provide practical guidance for safer work from anywhere. Let’s talk.
