If you’re a remote worker and get bored working from home or feel unproductive, changing scenery is a great way to get out of your slump, like working from a coffee shop.
There are some advantages in working in a coffee shop than in other locations, like:
- Being more productive,
- Meeting new people,
- There’s usually a free Wi-Fi,
- You can order food and drink.
However, while there are benefits of working in a coffee shop, there are also security risks that you have to be careful of. So, be selective about which coffee shops you will work in, if possible.
In this post, let’s talk about how you can work safely and securely in a coffee shop.
1. Check where you’ll sit
The moment you enter a coffee shop to work, you have to survey the area to find the best location where you can focus. You also want to sit somewhere that not many people pass through and can easily take your stuff.
Other considerations for choosing where to sit would be:
- Not too crowded. You need some peace and quiet if you want to focus. Or at least bring a noise-cancelling headphone.
- Has an electrical outlet nearby. So you can quickly charge your device if needed. You may also bring your own extension wire just to be sure.
- Your back against the wall. You’ll need a little more privacy when working. You wouldn’t want people passing you by constantly to see what’s on your screen.
- Comfortable chair and table. If you plan on sitting for hours working in a coffee shop, you’ll need a good chair and a table of a standard height for proper posture.
- Possibly at an angle with a CCTV camera. It’s a deterrent from thieves and can be evidence if needed.
Many coffee shops are now changing their setup and furniture to accommodate remote workers.
2. Only connect to trusted public WiFi or bring your own WiFi hotspot
One risk of working in a coffee shop is connecting to public Wi-Fi, which you can’t be sure if it’s secure. If you accidentally connect to an unsecured or compromised network, you’ll expose yourself to various security threats, like phishing and hacking.
One way to protect yourself is to bring your own Wi-Fi hotspot or just use your smartphone as a mobile hotspot to connect to your laptop or tablet.
3. Install and use a VPN on your laptop
If you have no choice but to connect to public Wi-Fi in a coffee shop, you have to have at least a VPN installed. This is because public Wi-Fi, while free, can be unsecured and can be used to access your devices.
A VPN will help protect your movement online by hiding your IP address and redirecting it using a different IP address on the VPN provider’s network.
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4. Always update your OS and antivirus software
Antivirus software is one of the most basic protective software you need in order to protect your device, especially if you’re working from a coffee shop. It’s important to note that a VPN is not an antivirus, so you need each of them separately.
5. Use a privacy screen protector
If you’re seated at a table where your back is not against the wall where your laptop screen is exposed, then you should always have a privacy screen protector for your laptop.
A privacy screen protector is a cheap tool you can place on top of your laptop screen so it will only be visible if you look straight into it. Then, viewers looking at a different angle can only see a darkened or distorted image of the screen.
This prevents strangers from spying on what you’re doing, especially if you’re working on sensitive company information or personal data.
6. Use a security cable lock
A security cable lock is another cheap security solution you can use to secure your laptop against theft. You may not notice it, but most laptops, especially business-grade laptops, have a notch designed for a security cable lock.
To use this, you can simply loop the cable lock at your table or on a solid bar before attaching and locking it to your laptop slot.
7. Never leave your items unattended
It’s crucial that you’re always aware of your surroundings and avoid leaving your items, especially your laptop and devices, unattended.
However, if you need to leave for a bathroom break, you may ask a coffee shop staff or someone sitting beside you to watch over your items. Just make sure that you don’t take too long and return the favor if needed.
Working in a coffee shop has some advantages, especially with regard to productivity. However, you should also make sure that your items, especially your laptop, and your data are secure.
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