Securing Your Digital Workspace While Working from Public Places

Are you a remote worker who’s constantly on the go like me? If so, then you’ve probably worked a lot in public places. Or maybe you’re tired of constantly working at home and you want to try something new.

With the rise of freelancing and digital nomadism, lots of people are working at public establishments for free Wi-Fi and sometimes even electric outlets.

However, many people are not fully aware of the risks—both digitally and physically—involved with working in public.

So, to my fellow remote workers, here’s everything you need to know about keeping your digital workspace safe while working from public places.

The Risks of Working from Public Workspaces

But why, exactly, is working in public places risky? Tons of people do it every day with no issue, right?

Yes, that’s true. But tons of people also regularly lose their things or have their data breached on public Wi-Fi.

Unsecured Public Wi-Fi

The public Wi-Fi in these places is usually not as safe as your personal internet at home.

Why? Simply because you don’t own and control the network and because you’re sharing with 5, 10, or 100 other people. With some tinkering, Wi-Fi owners can easily see what other people are doing with their connection.

They can see what sites you’re visiting—or even see the things you’re typing (like your password or bank details). Even other users can, too, if they know some hacking.

In fact, studies show that around 43% of people have had their online data compromised on public Wi-Fi.

Malware and Cyber Attacks

Aside from stealing your data, being connected to public Wi-Fi networks also makes your device more susceptible to malware attacks.

For example, some cafes require you to log in through a portal to connect to the internet with their Wi-Fi. This can be one way for malware to get into your system.

Shoulder Surfing

Aside from digital threats, your data can be stolen through physical means as well.

Working in public places when it’s crowded can be risky simply because other people may be able to see what you’re doing on your phone or laptop. All it takes is a subtle glance!

Device Theft

And, of course, it’s not just your data that’s at risk—your very device can be stolen, too. While it may be rare, depending on where you live, there is still an increased risk compared to working in private.

Unintentional Data Exposure

Even when not intentional, data can still be lost accidentally. Sharing screens, having meetings in public—these can all lead you to accidentally spilling some sensitive info.

Don’t be like me and loudly blurt out your company’s budget during a Zoom meeting while being at a crowded Starbucks, okay?

How to Stay Safe While Working in Public: 10 Tips

So how do you keep safe with these risks in mind? Here are 10 things I personally do when I’m working outside.

Not all of these tips will apply to every single remote worker in every single situation, but it’s good to keep them in mind!

1. Avoid Public Wi-Fi or Use Personal Hotspots

If possible, I often try to avoid using public Wi-Fi at all. Instead, I’ll use my personal hotspot for an internet connection.

This is especially true for cafes and airports, as these are where most people lose their data on public Wi-Fi. Why is this, you may ask?

It’s because places like cafes and restaurants are smaller businesses—which may invest less in their cybersecurity. Meanwhile, airports simply have tons of people in them, which means they can be a hotspot for hackers.

2. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Of course, I know using data roaming all the time isn’t cost-effective. So, if you must use public Wi-Fi, you need to use a VPN (virtual private network).

How does a VPN work? Without getting into the nitty-gritty of things, a VPN encrypts your internet connection by making it go through the VPN provider’s server before reaching the Wi-Fi connection.

So, instead of your device being directly connected to the public Wi-Fi, it connects to the VPN server first, which then “scrambles” your data, making it far more difficult to read once it hits the public Wi-Fi network.

This provides you with another layer of security against hackers and other cybercriminals trying to poach your data. Whether you need a VPN for Mac or for Windows, VPNs are accessible and actually very easy to use.

3. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

But no matter what kind of network you’re connected to, your password is still your first line of defense.

I know this must be a no-brainer, but too many people still use short, simple, and easily guessed passwords to this day. The logic goes that since their password hasn’t been compromised before, then it never will.

I don’t need to explain why this is faulty logic, do I? There’s a first time for everything, folks! So, do yourself a favor and change those weak passwords into strong ones.

Additionally, make sure to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your accounts that allow you to. So, even if your password does get stolen, your data stays safe.

4. Use a Privacy Screen

Now, let’s move on to how to keep your devices safe, physically speaking.

As a shield against prying eyes, I always use a privacy screen. It’s a thin piece of film that you can attach to your laptop screen. It limits the viewing angle so only I can see what’s on my screen—someone sitting next to me will see nothing but a darkened display.

Some co-working spaces have private cubicles, and if you work at one of these places, then you probably don’t need a privacy screen. But if you’re usually at a coffee shop where people can simply glance over at your laptop, then I say it’s a worthwhile investment.

Besides, if you’re in the US, you can get one for less than $10!

5. Always Keep an Eye on Your Devices

It goes without saying, but never leave your devices and valuables unattended to avoid theft.

If you need to go to the restroom, take a call, stretch your legs, or get a coffee refill, keep an eye on your laptop. Better yet, bring it with you (especially if you’re going to the restroom) and leave something less important, like maybe a handkerchief, to save your seat.

Or at least ask someone nearby or one of the staff to keep an eye on them for you!

However, you should minimize how often you step away from your seat in the first place.

6. Lock Your Devices When Not in Use

But of course, it’s a tad unrealistic for you to never leave your laptop, especially if you work in public places for long hours. (Unless you resist the call of nature, which isn’t good for your health!)

So, just be sure to lock your devices whenever you’re away from them. People only need a few clicks to access your data. Set up automatic screen locks with short timers in case you forget, too.

And if your laptop features biometric authentication (like fingerprint or facial recognition), then use that as well.

7. Avoid Discussing Sensitive Information in Public

I don’t recommend joining virtual meetings or taking work calls in public places. Especially if the place is busy and you plan to discuss confidential matters.

Even if I try to speak in a low voice, there’s always a chance that someone overhears what I say.

Besides, it’s not only unsafe, it’s also rather rude. Don’t be that guy who partakes in a Zoom meeting on speakers!

If you really have to, use earphones with a good-quality mic. This allows you to speak as softly as possible and still be heard by your co-workers.

8. Regularly Update Software and Security Patches

Hackers often rely on exploiting gaps in the security code of operating systems and software. Before you head out to work at your favorite cafe, double-check if your operating system and all your programs are up-to-date.

These updates usually contain security patches to keep your software as protected as possible. If you haven’t yet, enable automatic updates so you don’t have to worry about this as much.

9. Be Cautious with USB Devices

I personally refuse to plug unfamiliar USB devices into my laptop. In the same vein, I’ll never plug my devices in directly via USB ports to charge them (as some cafes may offer). I only charge straight from the outlet with a charging brick.

This is because malware and other malicious programs can be carried over through USB connections. Additionally, I also disable any automatic USB autorun features on my laptop. This prevents any malicious software from executing automatically if ever I need to plug in an unfamilair USB stick.

10. Monitor Your Account Activity

The thing is that you may not even be aware that you were breached while you were out working in public: Sometimes, you’ll only realize after.

So, once you get home from working at a public place, run through the activity history of all your important accounts. Check for unauthorized logins or any suspicious activity.

If you find some, change your passwords immediately. Or report your account to the platform to lock it temporarily!

Conclusion: It’s Not Unsafe As Long as You Take Precautions

Truth be told, however, public Wi-Fi networks aren’t as unsafe as they once were. But this doesn’t mean that you can slack off with your digital security!

After all, technology is rapidly evolving. One day, new, unprecedented cyberattack methods may come up and affect you unwittingly.

So stay vigilant and take the necessary precautions before you head out to your favorite work cafe. Remember: it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

For more security tips for remote workers and freelancers, check out this article.

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