Working from a coffee shop, a co-working space, or a hotel room while traveling has become completely normal. And honestly? It’s great. The flexibility is real, and so is the productivity boost that comes with a change of scenery.

But here’s something most people don’t stop to consider: the same places that make remote work feel easy can also make it easier for someone to get into your accounts, files, or company data.

That doesn’t mean you need to become an IT expert. You just need a few simple habits. That’s really it.

Let’s walk through what actually matters.

1. Why Public Wi-Fi Is Riskier Than It Looks

Free Wi-Fi is everywhere: coffee shops, airports, hotels, libraries. And it’s also one of the most common ways someone can spy on what you’re doing online.

Here’s something that surprises most people: attackers sometimes create fake Wi-Fi networks on purpose, with names that look totally legitimate. Something like “Free Coffee Wi-Fi” or “Hotel Guest Network” might actually be a trap set up to capture your login information.

What to do:

• If you’re unsure about a network name, ask a staff member to confirm it
• Avoid logging into your bank, email, or work accounts on public Wi-Fi when possible
• If your company gave you a VPN, turn it on before you connect to anything outside your home

Think of public Wi-Fi like a conversation in a crowded restaurant. Anyone nearby could be listening.

2. What Is a VPN, and Why Should You Use One?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, sounds technical. It’s not, really.

Here’s the short version: a VPN scrambles your internet connection so that even if someone is snooping, they can’t make sense of what they see.

If your company set one up for you, use it. Especially when you’re working from anywhere that isn’t your home or office.

Simple rule: Not at home or the office? Turn your VPN on first.

You don’t need to understand exactly how it works. You just need to use it.

3. The Security Risk That Has Nothing to Do with Technology

Not every security risk is digital. Some of them are just people.

“Visual hacking” is exactly what it sounds like: someone nearby glancing at your screen and reading things they shouldn’t. It happens more than people realize, and it’s surprisingly easy to do in a coffee shop or co-working space.

Be especially mindful when you’re:

• Working with emails, client details, or financial information
• In a busy or crowded place
• Stepping away from your laptop, even briefly

Quick habits that help:

• Angle your screen away from anyone sitting close by
• Dim your brightness a little in public
• Lock your computer before you walk away (Windows + L on PC, or Control + Command + Q on Mac)

That last one takes one second and makes a real difference.

4. One Simple Rule: Don’t Leave Your Laptop Unattended

It only takes a few seconds for a laptop to walk off. And “just running to grab my coffee” is enough time for it to happen.

A simple way to think about it: if you wouldn’t leave your wallet sitting on the table, don’t leave your laptop there either.

If you’re settling in for a few hours:

• Keep your bag looped around your chair leg
• Consider a laptop cable lock, especially in shared workspaces or co-working spots

It might feel like overkill. It’s not.

5. What You Say Out Loud Can Be a Security Risk Too

This one is easy to forget, especially when you’re in “work mode” and on a roll.

Even with headphones in, your side of any phone or video call is still audible to everyone around you. And some of what you might casually discuss could be sensitive: client names, financial details, internal company updates.

If the call involves anything confidential:

Step outside, head to your car, or find a quiet corner or private space before you dial in.

It’s a small adjustment that protects your clients and your company.

6. Two Basic Habits That Make a Real Difference

Two things here, and both are simple.

Lock your devices: Make sure your laptop and phone require a password, PIN, or fingerprint to get in. Set them to auto-lock after a couple of minutes of inactivity. If your device is ever lost or stolen, this is your first line of defense.

Install your updates: Those “update available” notifications feel annoying, but updates fix security vulnerabilities. Skipping them is like knowing there’s a hole in your front door and deciding not to fix it.

When the prompt comes up, install the update.

7. When Something Feels Off, Trust Your Gut

This one doesn’t require any tech knowledge at all.

If something feels off, trust that instinct. Whether it’s a Wi-Fi network that doesn’t look right, a login page that seems slightly different than usual, or someone standing a little too close to your screen, you don’t need to diagnose the problem. Just step back from it.

Your instincts are a valid security tool.

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect – Just a Little More Aware

You don’t have to be perfect at this. You don’t have to understand every threat or memorize every rule.

You just have to be a little more aware than you were yesterday.

If you’re using your VPN, keeping an eye on your surroundings, and not leaving your laptop unattended, you’re already ahead of most people. And that matters, both for protecting your own information and for keeping your company’s data safe.

Have questions about what your team should be doing when working remotely? Reach out. We’re happy to help you put the right habits and tools in place.