If you’re a globetrotting remote worker, this guide is for you. Life as a digital nomad or ex-pat is exhilarating, working from a beach café in Thailand one month and a mountain lodge in Switzerland the next feels like living a dream. But while you’re uploading photos of your latte or jumping on Zoom calls from paradise, cybercriminals might be quietly waiting to strike. Remote working offers freedom, but it also expands the attack surface and hackers know it.
Staying secure doesn’t mean giving up your adventures. Here’s everything you need to know about the modern cyber threats facing remote workers and how to protect your data, devices, and peace of mind while living your best life abroad.
Public Wi-Fi: Friend or Foe?
Picture this… You’re in a cosy café, you connect to the free Wi-Fi, and dive into work however, you might not realise you’ve just opened the door to potential cyber-attacks. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them a playground for hackers.
What’s even worse now is attackers have the capability of using fake Wi-Fi networks, known as ‘Evil Twin hotspots’, which mimic legitimate connections (think ‘FreeAirportWiFi’ or ‘CafeGuest’). Once connected, they can intercept your internet traffic or potentially inject malware.
Best way to stay safe is to always use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for hackers to intercept your data. There are plenty of reliable VPN services are out there, pick one and make it your best friend! It also helps to verify the network name with staff and to avoid accessing sensitive accounts.
Phishing & Quishing: Don’t Take the Bait
Phishing attacks are the oldest trick in the hacker’s book and still one of the most effective. These scams involve fake emails or messages that impersonate legitimate companies, luring you into clicking malicious links or sharing personal information.
In 2024 the majority of all successful cyberattacks began with phishing, and according to various sources on the web, remote workers were 3.5 times more likely to be targeted than office-based employees.
Even more modern is QR code phishing, or ‘quishing’ where attackers replace legitimate QR codes in cafés or coworking spaces with fake ones that lead to malicious sites or apps.
Best ways to spot these types of scams is to always double-check the sender’s address and avoid scanning random QR codes. If something feels off, it probably is. And remember, no reputable organisation will ever ask for your passwords or payment details through emails or text.
Cloud Account Compromise: The Hidden Risk
As a remote worker, you probably rely heavily on tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, or Notion for example. These tools are all convenient but also tempting targets for cybercriminals. If an attacker gains access to one of your accounts, they can often infiltrate others, especially if you reuse passwords.
The best ways to stay secure is to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all cloud accounts and monitor login activity regularly. Consider adopting a Zero Trust mindset, assume no login, device, or network is safe by default, and verify everything.
SIM Swapping: The Mobile Threat
If you travel frequently and change SIM cards or use eSIMs, be wary of SIM swapping attacks. In this scam, criminals trick your mobile provider into transferring your number to their device. Once they control your number, they can intercept calls, texts, and even 2FA (two-factor authentication) codes giving them access to your accounts.
The best way to protect yourself is to use app based authenticators like Google Authenticator or Authy instead of SMS based 2FA and secure your mobile provider account with a PIN or password.
Secure Your Devices: Lock It Down
Your laptop and phone are treasure troves of personal and professional data. Losing one or having it stolen abroad could spell disaster.
Use strong passwords, biometrics, and MFA on all devices. Turn on auto-updates for your operating systems, browsers, and apps, not just for your laptop but your phone too. Install anti-theft tools/features like ‘Find My Device’ or ‘Find My iPhone’ so you can locate or remotely wipe your devices if needed.
If you handle sensitive work data, store it on encrypted drives and avoid leaving your devices unlocked and unattended especially in shared coworking spaces.
Password Management: From “12345” to Passkeys
Weak or reused passwords remain one of the biggest cybersecurity pitfalls. If a hacker cracks one account, they can often access others through credential stuffing attacks. Credential stuffing is an automated cyberattack that inserts stolen usernames and passwords into a system’s login fields to achieve an account takeover for fraudulent misuse.
Level up your passwords and use a password manager to create and store unique, complex passwords for each login. Many modern services now support password less authentication, such as passkeys or biometric logins, which are much harder to steal than traditional passwords, consider turning these features on.
Beware of Shoulder Surfers
Cyber threats aren’t always digital. When you’re working in a café, airport, or train, someone might be peering over your shoulder to see what’s on your screen.
Invest in a privacy screen protector and be mindful of your surroundings. It’s also worth using RFID-blocking wallets or passport sleeves to protect your physical data from nearby skimming devices. Skimming devices are hidden tools used by criminals to steal card or identification data by reading information from magnetic strips or RFID chips without your knowledge.
Back Up Your Data: Your Digital Safety Net
Losing access to your files whether from theft, ransomware, or hardware failure can derail your entire workflow.
Regularly back up your data to encrypted external drives and secure cloud storage. Services like Google Drive and OneDrive offer version history, letting you recover files even after a ransomware attack. Think of backups as your digital safety net, the one thing that can save you when everything else goes wrong.
Stay Informed: Knowledge Is Power
Cybercriminals are evolving faster than ever. From AI-generated phishing emails to deepfake voice scams, new threats appear constantly.
Subscribe to cybersecurity newsletters or follow experts on platforms like LinkedIn. A short cyber awareness course can go a long way in teaching you how to identify emerging scams. Remember, awareness is your best defence.
Modern Defensive Tools and Tech
Modern security isn’t just about habits, it’s about using the right tools. Platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace now use AI-powered phishing detection to block suspicious emails before they reach your inbox. You should enable DMARC, DKIM, and SPF protocols to prevent spoofed emails, you can also use other encrypted email or secure messaging apps for sensitive communications.
As mentioned already, adopt a Zero Trust mindset, assume every device, login, and network could be compromised until verified. It’s the same principle big corporations use, and it’s just as valuable for remote workers.
Think Globally, Stay Secure
Working abroad means playing by different digital rules. Laws like the GDPR in Europe offer strong protections, but in other regions, online privacy is loose in comparison. Some countries also restrict VPN usage or host fake VPN services designed to log your data. Always choose reputable, privacy focused VPN providers and be cautious about what data you share on local networks.
If you’re storing sensitive information in the cloud, be aware of data residency laws, some countries require that data be hosted locally, which may affect where you save work files.
Final Thoughts
Living as a digital nomad or ex-pat is one of the most rewarding ways to work and explore the world but your freedom comes with responsibility to protect your devices, your data, and your digital identity.
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated, a few smart habits, some modern tools, and a healthy dose of awareness can make you nearly bulletproof online.
So go ahead… Sip that coconut latte, book that next flight, and chase the sunset. Just remember, the world is yours to explore, safely and smartly.
If you would like to learn more about online safety and a list of recommended tools to use, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Roundhouse Cyber.
