Digital Relocation Essentials: Protecting Your Online Identity
Packing your bags and relocating to an entirely new country is a thrilling adventure, no doubt about it. But do you know what the not-so-fun part of the process is? Figuring out how to protect your online identity.
But before delving into the crucial aspects of safeguarding your online presence, it’s worth noting that moving to a new country is an opportunity for personal growth and cultural exploration and offers the chance to find the perfect location that aligns with your lifestyle and goals.
On that note, the latest research on the best destinations for expats has unveiled some compelling insights about factors contributing to finding a perfect place to live.
These include economic stability, healthcare quality, education opportunities, and overall quality of life. However, moving to a new country, as exhilarating as it may be, comes with its own set of challenges, especially in the digital realm.
Safeguarding your online presence is paramount for expats, as cybersecurity risks persist worldwide.
Let’s be honest: the world out there may be beautiful, but it’s still unsafe. Regardless of this, you don’t have to worry. This article will tell you how you can protect your online privacy, no matter where you are in the world.
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Here’s How You Can Protect Your Digital Privacy While Travelling!
With the looming threat of cyber crimes, it has become even more important to take steps to protect our digital identities. Not doing this can lead to severe consequences that you may not even know how to deal with. For example, mobile malware, ransomware extortion, and more.
However, there’s no need to be scared. Below, you will find all the different methods you can follow to safeguard your privacy in the digital realm.
Research Data Privacy Laws
Before you even think about moving to a new place, the first thing you should do is research all of the data privacy laws of the country you’re interested in, especially if you travel alone.
Because you see, your digital information can very easily be weaponized and used against you. But knowing the laws will help you make use of them if and when the need arises, therefore making you a lot less vulnerable.
In fact, this is why data privacy laws exist in the first place. They do many things for users. For example, they restrict a company’s ability to share or pass on the sensitive information it takes from its users.
Share Less Information
Although there are data privacy laws to protect your personal information, you still need to be careful about the kind of information you put out there.
For example, plenty of sites and apps you use do ask you to share your address, contact number, name, bank account details, etc. All of this is classified as sensitive information.
These details can be used to lure you into devious scams. So, unless you’re absolutely sure that you trust the site or app and know how this information will be used, it’s better not to share these details.
If it is something unavoidable, you should first do your due diligence, get help from trusted sources, and only then share your personal information.
Try exploring expat forums or communities for guidance on navigating unfamiliar procedures such as renting accommodations or opening a bank account.
Update Your Software and Find Useful Apps
We all are guilty of putting off our system’s software updates. Aren’t we? After all, how could this be of any harm?
However, a report published in 2021 showed that these unpatched bugs and vulnerabilities were one of the top reasons why some systems were more prone to attacks than others.
Hackers don’t always use newly discovered bugs to attack a device. Instead, they make use of vulnerabilities that haven’t been fixed. Apart from this, you must also keep your antivirus and anti-malware updated.
Research local service apps for everyday convenience, such as transportation apps (like Uber or similar local options), food delivery services, and language translation apps.
Additionally, install apps for local news sources to stay informed about current events, local regulations, and expat-specific news in your new country.
Use Cloud Storage
Are you someone who’s wary of storing backups of their important data like passports, visas, work permits, etc.? If yes, what do you think should be done in case a disaster hits and you lose access to these things?
That, too, when you’re abroad? I’m sure that merely considering the possibility of something like this is sending chills down your spine.
And so, you need to use cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox to give a second home to these important files. Heaven forbid, if something happens, you will at least have access to your necessary documents.
You will be able to access them from literally anywhere in the world. And until then, they will stay safely in the cloud storage– rent-free. In other words, it is safe and free to store your data in Google Drive.
Final Words
And that’s it, everyone. These are some things you guys can do to protect your digital privacy while you’re visiting a new country.
Inculcating these practices will help keep you safe in the digital world to a greater extent. So, with your privacy concerns out of the way, you will be able to enjoy your little trip in a much better way!