Safe signals: Staying safely connected during outdoor adventures

A common rule when we went out for outdoor activities was to always be accompanied. To do otherwise was considered to be unnecessarily reckless. But being alone in nature is so enjoyable if you like solitude, going at your own pace, or taking your own direction at any given moment, that technology found the solution.

It is now possible to be connected at all times, and to be able to carry out the most fun adventures alone, while maintaining communication in all circumstances. However, there are some risks that can compromise data privacy in remote connectivity settings. And while we can always make a special request to a data deletion company to protecting our privacy onlineIt is important to understand that the responsibility for digital security also lies with us.

What connectivity tools do the most adventurous use?

There are a number of tools to keep us connected, which we can use on our solo adventures. This is the case of a satellite phone, which although less powerful and drains the battery faster, we can take it with us on hiking routes in rural areas and keep in direct contact with friends or family and, if necessary, activate emergency rescue services.

Another location tracking device that helps us stay located is GPS. They are really important for getting around in rural areas, especially in places where reduced visibility can impair visual or map-based navigation.

As you prepare for your trip or outdoor activity, you should expect to need to connect to the Internet at some point. A portable Wi-Fi hotspot is a common way to stay connected in these circumstances. In fact, they are capable of connecting multiple devices to a local Wi-Fi network, and sometimes even without a SIM card.

But while it is true that these tools greatly facilitate connectivity in our adventures and travels, it is also true that their use comes with some risks to data privacy.  

What risks do these devices pose to the privacy of our data?

Among the risks and most common threats to our data privacy we find ourselves with unencrypted connections, and therefore vulnerable to data interception attacks. Where the attacker can access the information that is transmitted between the user and the network, and get hold of our passwords, messages and even locations. 

Many apps and devices used in outdoor adventures or activities track location in real time. And if this information falls into the wrong hands, it could also compromise the user's physical security.

Using devices without up-to-date security measures, such as outdated software or malware protection, can create entry points for hackers, compromising stored and connected data. Data that, in addition to being sold on underground markets, can even be used to commit fraud in our name.

Always apply these tips for secure connectivity anytime, anywhere.

There are some preventative measures that still allow us to maintain secure connectivity regardless of what device we use, what type of connection, and where we are located. 

One of them is to use secure networks and encrypted VPN connections. But we also need to keep our devices with software updated to the latest version, and use an antivirus. Never forget to set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on all important accounts, and when it's not necessary, turn off location tracking. Of course, it's nothing new that we should use strong passwords, and that these should be managed by a secure password manager.

These are simple measures that any user can easily comply with, but which can protect our personal data and allow us to enjoy the benefits of remote connectivity without compromising security or privacy.

Adopt secure technologies to gain peace of mind during your adventures. 

When you go outdoors, make sure you have the right devices for the challenges you may encounter, and also that their power demands can be met. No one likes to be miles from civilisation when their communication or navigation device fails. 

Ultimately in your solo adventures, or in the company of others, the goal is that you feel comfortable and can relax by a stream, or watch the clouds or the stars, but always with the peace of mind that your physical and digital security is in good hands. 

Technology opens up a world of possibilities to explore the unknown. But the real adventure begins when we know how to balance connection with freedom, and protect our every step, but also our privacy in every corner of the road.