Whether you are a freelance, a consultant or an employee on a mission, transporting sensitive customer files outside of your office represents a significant risk. Loss of data, hacking, theft of devices: there are many threats. To guarantee the confidentiality and integrity of your documents, it is essential to implement suitable security measures. Discover the best solutions to secure your customer projects and files when traveling.
Mobility is today a necessity for many professionals. Whether you have worked from a coffee, a coworking space or when traveling abroad, your professional files follow you everywhere. However, this flexibility is accompanied by new challenges in terms of cybersecurity. Without adequate protection, your confidential data can be exposed to significant risks.
In this article, we will explore the best strategies to ensure the safety of your customer and projects files when working outside your office. From the choice of good equipment to secure storage solutions, including good digital practices, you will discover how to effectively protect your information.
Our selection of the best VPNs of the moment:
Why is it essential to secure your files?
The safety of customer and professional projects files is an absolute priority for any mobile worker. On the move, the data can be exposed to many risks which, in the event of negligence, may have disastrous consequences on your activity and your reputation.
What are the risks incurred?
- Flight or loss of equipment
A laptop, a USB key or a smartphone can be easily lost or stolen when traveling. If your files are not protected by a robust encryption or password, a malicious individual can quickly access sensitive information, thus compromising the confidentiality of your customers.
2. Hacking and cyber attacks
Connect to an unsecured public Wi-Fi network (in a coffee, an airport or a hotel) exhibits your files to data interceptions. Cybercriminals use techniques such as Man-in-The-Middle Type attack to capture the information exchanged between your device and the Internet.
3. Data leaks and confidentiality violation
File safety management can cause sensitive information leaks. This can have legal consequences, in particular with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations) in Europe, which imposes strict obligations to businesses and professionals processing personal data.
4. Definitive loss of files
A hardware failure, accidental deletion or a ransomware type attack (software that blocks your files and requests a ransom) can make your data inaccessible. Without regular and secure backup, the loss of these files can be irreversible.
5. Breakdown in reputation and loss of confidence
A safety flaw can lastingly impact your professional image. A customer whose data has been compromised may lose confidence in your services, which can harm your activity and your long -term credibility
Good to know: By securing your files and adopting good practices, you protect yourself against these risks and ensure the sustainability of your activity while strengthening the confidence of your customers. |
Use secure and suitable equipment
The devices you use on the go are the first line of defense against computer threats. Opture for suitable equipment makes it possible to limit the risks linked to theft or interception of data.
Computers and smartphones with material encryption are an excellent option. Some models include advanced safety features, such as biometric recognition, remote locking or secure storage of sensitive files.
TRICK : Favor a computer with a encrypted hard drive and activate Bitlocker (Windows) or Filevault (Mac) encryption to secure your data in the event of flight. |
Opt for secure and encrypted storage
File storage is a key point in mobility data protection. Use encrypted solutions guarantees that even in the event of unauthorized access, your documents remain protected.
The secure USB keys with hardware encryption, such as models incorporating protection by PIN code, offer additional security. For wider storage, secure external hard drives are also an effective alternative.
Secure cloud solutions such as Tresor, Pcloud or OneDrive Entreprise allow you to store and synchronize your files with a high level of protection.
See also: Our price comparator of VPN offers
Good to know: Avoid saving customer files on unprotected media such as a conventional USB key or non -encrypted hard drive. |
Connect safely with a VPN
When you work on the go, it is common to use public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, hotels, airports or coworking spaces. Although practical, these connections are often not very secure and can be the target of computer attacks. To protect your files and communications, the use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is essential.
Our selection of the best VPNs of the moment:
Why use a VPN?
A VPN creates a encrypted tunnel between your device and the server to which you connect. This means that all the data you exchange is protected from interceptions, preventing cybercriminals from accessing your files or spying on your activity online.
With a VPN, even if you use compromise Wi-Fi, your information will remain confidential. It is an essential tool to protect:
- Your identifiers and passwords
- Your professional transit files
- Your communications with your customers and employees
- Your personal and professional data
How to choose a good VPN?
Not all VPN solutions are created equal. Here are some criteria for making the right choice:
- Powerful encryption: opt for a service using an AES-256 encryption, guaranteeing high-level protection.
- A policy of non-management of the logs: Make sure that the supplier does not store your navigation history.
- Quick and reliable servers: good speed is essential for working without slowdowns.
- Compatibility with all your devices: Check that the VPN works on both computer and smartphone and tablet.
Among the most recommended solutions are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN or Cyberghost.
Attention : Avoid free VPNs, as they can compromise your security by selling your data or integrating intrusive advertisements. Always prefer a paid and recognized solution.
By adopting a quality VPN, you can work serenely, wherever you are, ensuring the confidentiality of your customer projects and files.
Activate double factor authentication
Double factor authentication (2FA) is an effective way to add an additional safety layer to your professional accounts and online services you use.
With this method, even if a password is compromised, a second temporary code sent to your phone or a dedicated application will be necessary to access your account. Tools like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator or Duo Security are recommended.
Note: Activate the 2FA on all your essential services (messaging, cloud storage, project management, etc.) to strengthen the protection of your files. |
Set up regular backups
Data loss can be catastrophic for a professional. Regularly saving your files guarantees that you can recover your information in the event of flight, loss or equipment failure.
It is recommended to adopt a 3-2-1 backup strategy:
- 3 copies of your data,
- 2 different storage supports,
- 1 offline copy.
Solutions like Backblaze, Acronis or Synology allow these backups to be automated and guarantee the recovery of files safely.
TRICK :: Plan automatic backups to avoid forgetting this essential step. |
Be vigilant to phishing attacks and malicious software
Phishing attacks and malware are common when working on the go. Hackers often use fraudulent emails or compromise sites to steal information.
Adopt good practices:
- Never click on a suspicious link in an email,
- Always check the URL of the sites on which you enter your identifiers,
- Install a quality antivirus like Bitdefender, Kaspersky or Eset.
Attention : phishing attacks are more and more sophisticated. If an email seems suspicious, contact the sender directly to check its authenticity.
Secure prints and paper documents
Digital files are not the only ones affected by security. Paper documents often contain sensitive information and should be protected on the move.
Use a secure case with a lock and avoid leaving your files lying around in public places. If you need to print documents, be sure to do it on a secure printer and avoid public print centers.
Good to know: Destroy sensitive documents after use with portable shredder to avoid any risk of leak information. |
Educate and raise awareness among employees
If you work as a team, it is essential that all employees adopt similar security practices. A data leak can often come from simple negligence. Organize regular training on good cybersecurity practices and make sure everyone knows the procedures to follow in the event of an incident.
Note: A single low password or a connection to an unsecured Wi-Fi can compromise a whole project. Vigilance is essential. |
Securing your customer projects and files when traveling is essential to protect your data from external threats. By using secure equipment, by opting for encrypted storage, activating a VPN and adopting good digital practices, you considerably limit the risks.
Do not neglect these measures: the safety of your professional files is a major issue. With the right solutions and constant vigilance, you can work in all serenity, wherever you are.
And find the best VPNs for all uses on our VPN comparator space.