Digital nomads are those who work whilst travelling around wherever they choose. There are a lot of great things about being a digital nomad; freedom to travel, seeing the world whilst earning and meeting a new community of like-minded people.
However, being digital nomads does come with some considerations, one of which is data protection. Having a strong knowledge of data protection and good cybersecurity practices will stand you in good stead with employers and clients.
Here is a guide to help you develop your knowledge and keep on top of any developments.
Understanding data protection laws
There are several laws in the UK which cover data protection, not just for digital nomads but for all businesses.
The Data Protection Act 2018 outlines how personal data should be handled. It also states that data should only be collected for relevant reasons and that its use should be limited to the intended purpose. Importantly, this act reminds individuals that they have a right to know what data is being held about them and erased under certain circumstances.
Best practices for data security on the move
As a digital nomad, you will find yourself in all sorts of interesting places. This makes for interesting memories, but it can make working difficult.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are encrypted connections between your device and a remote service. This is a helpful tool for data protection as it encrypts data between the two sources, making it unreadable to anyone else.
Sometimes when travelling, public WiFi networks are your only option for getting online. If this is the case, be wary of where you choose to connect you. If you do decide to log on, be sure to use strong passwords and a VPN to add layers of security.
Managing cross-border data transfers
You can work really hard at keeping any data you use secure and confidential, but this can go out the window if you end up transferring to a client or your partners. Creating gaps in the security system can be how maliciously intended people worm their way in.
Make sure you are on the same page as anyone you work with when it comes to cross-border data transfers. You could even get an expert who understands data privacy laws onboard to ensure you are being compliant legally.
Staying updated on data protection developments
As technology develops so do the laws surrounding data protection. At present, there is a new bill working its way through the parliamentary system called the Data (Use and Access) Bill. This aims to grow the UK economy whilst keeping data secure and protecting public interest.
Although this bill isn’t law yet, it highlights how quickly the legal landscape is responding to data protection changes. Make sure you keep on top of this development and any others as it could affect the way you work.
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