This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/

Imagine this: You are working online in a café in Paris, a hut in Bali with a sea view, or even in your bedroom while you sip another cup of tea. Digital freelancing enables such possibilities because all you need is a laptop, tablet, or smartphone to make a living.

Whatever device you use it becomes a social and professional passport to an increasingly interconnected world. You need it to access resources, opportunities, and connections. But in doing so, you’re exposed to digital threats that most are unaware of. 

Overlooking security practices, particularly when you freelance online, can compromise your data and privacy. Worse, your reputation and trust are at risk if cybercriminals get hold of sensitive projects you’re working on. We want to stress the importance of protecting your device online, so you don’t fall prey to digital threats. And here are 5 immediate steps you can take. 

Step 1: Secure Your Connection

Handling your personal information on open Wi-Fi networks is like waving a red flag before a raging bull because such connections are usually unsecured. For this reason, they can also intercept the data you transmit and receive, including passwords, in your communication with clients. Thus, what can freelancers do to protect their online source of earnings?

Use a VPN like ClearVPN. If you’re unaware, a VPN secures your device from spies, hackers, and other unauthorized listening. 

With its one-tap protection, you get protected by reliable encryption, all with a single click. ClearVPN also protects you on all major OS platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS (even on the newly introduced iPadOS). The app's other benefits include:

• Total privacy (Supports No log policy)
• A kill switch to bridge security gaps that hackers can take advantage of.
• Ad-blocking
• Secured encrypted connection

With ClearVPN, you will be able to work with the assurance that your security from cyber threats is well-catered for.

Step 2: Strengthen Your Passwords

It’s unwise to use generic passwords such as ‘abcd123456’ or ‘Password123’ since hackers can easily guess them and steal your data. 

The key to a strong password is ensuring a variety of big and small letters, numerals, and symbols. But wait! Would you be able to remember all those passwords that you have created for each of the multiple accounts you possess?

Secrets 4, for instance, uses an encrypted password vault to store all your passwords. In fact, Secrets can generate sturdy passwords for different profiles you use on various services. Whether you’re working on your Mac or iPad, Secrets automatically synchronizes your passwords across Apple devices you own. 

Step 3: Two Factor Authentication or 2FA

More is better when it comes to securing your device. That is where 2FA comes in handy because when it is incorporated into the security scheme of your asset, it adds just another layer that attackers cannot breach. 

Apart from passwords, 2FA relies on a code, which is either received through a mobile phone or generated through an authenticator application, to establish the user's credibility. The second-factor feature guards your process so that even when hackers know your first password, they cannot access your accounts.

Here’s how to set up 2FA on your most important accounts

• Go to the security section of your account settings
• Look for the option to enable 2FA or two-step verification
• You can typically choose between receiving a code via SMS or email or using an  authenticator app
• Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up 2FA

Authenticator apps are effective for generating 2FA codes. They are readily available and help secure accounts. Some of the solutions are Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or 2FAS. 

These apps create time-based codes that are far safer than SMS and will run on a device even if there is no internet access. They make your phone a sturdy fortress.

 Step 4: Data Protection on the Go

As a digital freelancer, your career sometimes requires you to be mobile for leisure and business. However, carrying confidential information around can be dangerous. Mobile devices can, for instance, be lost, stolen, or hacked, and an open connection compromises your data to cyber criminals.

To mitigate these risks, using a reliable VPN like ClearVPN is crucial because it also:

• Encrypts your internet connection, allowing you to access geo-restricted work tools securely
• Protect your data while you’re connected to public Wi-Fi networks

Before taking a trip, ensure the gadgets are protected with passwords, encryption, and the capability of remotely wiping the stored data. Your data will, therefore, still be secure if your device falls into the wrong hands.

Note: Before any travels, enabling remote data wiping features on all your digital devices will boost security levels, giving you data assurance and preventing it from falling into the wrong hands. For Mac/iPhone/iPad users, settings in iCloud.com/find can conveniently wipe out data remotely. Android users can find such facilities handy at android.com/find, while Windows users can execute this via account.microsoft.com/devices. Stay safe, my friends!

Step 5: Keep Your Software Updated

Who among us has not been driven half-crazy by those pop-up notices announcing there is an update to your favorite software? We get it. Unpredictably, they show up at the most awkward moments. But the fact is — updating your software is also one of the potent shields against security threats.

Older software might contain vulnerabilities that hackers can manipulate to get into your system. When you patch your software—whether it’s a productivity app, music player, or game, you lock the door to cybercriminals.

If you need help updating apps, try CleanMyMac. It has a powerful feature called Updater, which lets you update all apps on your Mac in simple steps. No more manually checking every app to see if they need updating. 

Bonus: Make Security a Daily Habit

Don’t leave security as an afterthought. Rather, practice the steps we mentioned consistently to protect your freelance business. You need to stay vigilant at all times to prevent hackers from breaching your devices. To recap:

• Use strong passwords on all accounts and double the protection with 2FA. 
• Switch off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections so you do not connect to a possible suspicious network.
• Backup your data in secure storage so you can recover it. 
• Finally, enable ClearVPN to help you secure your Wi-Fi connections. If you’re using an Apple device, you can use Siri shortcuts to activate it. 

Remember, security is a daily practice that shields your livelihood and digital workplace from cyber threats.  Make it a daily habit to reinforce your professional reputation as a digital freelancer.