Security Tips & Devices for Digital Nomads

Greetings, dear readers! I made the decision to write a rather unusual article in which I want to step away from the conventional wisdom and discuss various tools and gadgets for OpSec, but with a preference for their practical use and usability.

Art by: Regul Lion

As a digital nomad, it’s essential to put strong security measures in place to protect your cryptocurrency holdings and private data. This article aims to discuss the significance of security and offers helpful advice and suggested gadgets for cryptocurrency-owning digital nomads.

A brief disclaimer: This article was originally split into two ( 1, 2) distinct older articles. However, because of recent tragic world events (multiple active conflicts at once), I decided it would be appropriate to update them, which I did. I do hope you like it!

For daily tasks and financial transactions, an average digital nomad heavily relies on digital tools and platforms. However, doing so also exposes people to a number of risks, including phishing scams, theft, and hacking attempts. Private keys can be compromised, funds can be lost, and online identities could be in danger due to security flaws.

The problem is that I don’t have the moral authority to advise someone like an OSINT researcher what I would advise a Web3 or crypto community participant. In other words, I won’t just give advice for Internet survivalists in this article; I’ll give it to everyone.

OpSec Basics

The Ring

Surprisingly, few people know that anyone can effectively defend against sim swapping. It works both in the US and worldwide on almost all mobile operators. To lock down your SIM, contact your mobile phone carrier. Ask them to NEVER make changes to your phone number/SIM unless you physically show up to a specific store with at least two forms of identification.

Choose a reliable E-sim! For example:

A secure cryptocurrency wallet is an indispensable tool for every digital nomad. It is essential to choose a reputable and well-established wallet service that offers features like two-factor authentication (2FA), multi-signature authorization, and cold storage.

Strictly speaking, OpSec rules do not prohibit the use of special devices that do not look suspicious, such as a Nintendo Switch, old-fashioned PSP 1000/2000/3000, or even a disassembled Raspberry PI!

When Surfing the Internet

Operational security professionals work to figure out where their information can be breached. That said, it doesn’t really matter what industry you’re in. If you have any sensitive or proprietary information at all, then you could very well be a target. This is a good thing to always keep in mind!

Take this subreddit and this awesome old and trusted resource as the first step. In our dangerous world, anyone can become a target, especially in crypto or having to deal with private keys. It sounds scary, but it is possible. The main thing is to always think ahead.

OpSec Solutions Shortlist

Password Cleanse

The first thing is a collection of tools for manifesting strong pass-phrases while helping you release the toxins of your past security habits. Through a process of focused meditation, dice rolling, and memorization of mantras, you will cleanse your security.

As stated in the description:

Kit includes Word List, five red dice, custom brass ring, sealing wax, brass pen, matchbox, and handmade paper. Dice tower is built into the clam shell case, covered in Sierra bookcloth and foil stamped in gold. Word List is printed using digital offset and is a limp paper structure covered in handmade paper from The University of Iowa.
Password Cleanse - Tim Schwartz

Digital Resistance Kit

Next in our review would be a Digital Resistance Kit, which provides you with the tools for a true identity detox.

As stated in the description:

_kit includes the Manual of Digital Resistance, wax sealed anonymous cash, bitcoin, prepaid gift cards, Starbucks cards, and a TAILS USB stick...
](https://www.timschwartz.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/manual_of_digital_resistance_v1-1.pdf)

Stay safe!

Keep in mind, being secure is not solely a one-time action but an ongoing effort to stay ahead of potential threats in an evolving digital landscape. Embrace the possibilities of the digital nomad life while remaining vigilant about security, and you can enjoy the benefits without compromising your cryptocurrency assets:

OpSec Tips & Useful Resources

Below, I would like to make a gallery of resources that you could explore in your spare time and increase your level of security. The idiom “Forewarned is forearmed” has never yet, in my memory, misfired.

Thank you!

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