Key takeaways

• Black Friday sees a major spike in both shopping, with billions spent online, and in scam activities, with a 22% increase in fraud losses reported.

• Cybercriminals start gearing up for Black Friday scams in January, indicated by increased dark web searches for related keywords.

• Dark web data shows Black Friday is a topic of interest throughout the year, not just in November, with notable search activity in April.

• Months before Black Friday, the dark web buzzes with searches for big retailers, hinting at planned attacks on these platforms.

• Key protective measures include skepticism towards unexpected deals, consistent software updates, using different devices for work and personal use, secure passwords, and informed cyber practices.

Black Friday is famous for big sales and shopping frenzy. It’s also a busy time online, with a record $9.12 billion spent last year, as reported by Adobe Analytics. This global trend saw Salesforce reporting worldwide online sales hitting $40 billion.

Yet, alongside this rise in legitimate transactions, there was a notable increase in fraudulent activity, with reported losses from scams associated with Black Friday and Cyber Monday climbing by 22% from the previous year. These statistics don’t just reflect consumer zeal for deals; they also underscore the period’s vulnerability to cyber threats.

Based on this reality, NordLayer’s recent exploration reveals a complex strategy behind the festive frauds that often begin brewing while most still stick to their New Year’s resolutions.

January: the planning period for cybercriminals

The words “Black Friday” might bring images of late-year sales to mind, but for a cybercriminal, January is a prime month for laying the groundwork. During this period, researchers noted a surge in search activity on the dark web, encompassing all Black Friday-related keywords, from hot shopping trends to potential cybersecurity threats.

Carlos Salas, Head of Platform Engineering at NordLayer, illustrates the situation: “The reason behind this early start is the need to establish a network of resources, from stolen personal data to compromised accounts, to facilitate their scams when Black Friday arrives. Criminals also seek to exploit the heightened sense of urgency and excitement surrounding the holiday season to deceive unsuspecting shoppers.”

Surprisingly, the ‘Black Friday’ keyword spiked in April searches—an unexpected deviation from the usual November interest. The reasons for this springtime surge are unclear, but it’s a reminder to stay alert for online dangers all year round, not just during the holiday shopping rush.

‘Black Friday’ queries are at their lowest in August, but remarkably, they shoot up in September, doubling the volume seen in the previous month.

Why Black Friday deals are a dark web trend all year

Black Friday isn’t just for November anymore; it’s a year-round event where you can always find deals. On the dark web, ‘Black Friday’ means discounts on things like stolen data and illegal items every day. These places sell lots of subscription services at lower prices, too. Cybercriminals are ready to use this buzz to target both shoppers and companies.

“Black Friday became synonymous with getting great deals, so this keyword is popular year-round. Vendors on the dark web marketplaces know that when a potential customer sees the term ‘Black Friday,’ they will likely be attracted to the idea of saving a coin, regardless of what season it is,” says Salas.

High traffic, high risk

Popular online marketplaces are beacons for threat actors. It’s clear that retailers like Amazon, eBay, and Target, with their high online traffic, are primary targets for these attackers.

The data points to a sharp rise in targeted keyword searches for these e-commerce platforms starting early in January. The increase shows that the more well-known a retailer is, the more likely it is to attract attention from potential attackers on the dark web.

For instance, interest in Amazon spiked, with keyword searches climbing over 45% in January, followed by notable upsurges of 15% in May and 13% in March.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2022 reported that scams where people pretend to be from a business took a massive leap, causing a loss of $2.6 billion. Looking back, from mid-2020 to mid-2021, out of every three complaints about these kinds of scams, one was about someone faking to be from Amazon. Last year, the amount of money swindled by fake businesses was $660 million, which is more than the $453 million lost the year before. The FTC hasn’t given a breakdown for Amazon scams for 2022 specifically, but it’s a fair guess that, given the trend, Amazon impersonators have also become more common.

eBay saw a similar pattern, with dark web keyword searches soaring by 68% in January, while March and April recorded increases of 46% and 19%, respectively.

Target-related searches peaked with a 41% rise in March, a 31% jump in January, and a moderate 15% hike in April.

Each spike in search volume represents more than consumer trends; they’re opportunities eyed by cybercriminals.

Top 5 threats this Black Friday

Carlos Salas points out the top five scams to be wary of.

Phishing scams

Phishing remains a favored tactic. Fraudulent attempts to gather sensitive information don’t take a holiday, especially not on Black Friday.

Phishing scams come to life when cybercriminals buy phishing kits from dark web stores. These all-in-one packages enable setting up websites that look trustworthy but are traps for stealing sensitive data.

Before the generative AI era, phishing emails were somewhat easy to spot due to poor grammar, illogical vocabulary, and bad spelling. Such glaring errors were easy to pick up by automated defenses and reasonably careful people. But with AI tools, it is now far more likely that a phishing email will appear genuine, leading to more potential victims actually clicking on malicious links.

Fake websites

Imitation may be flattery, but in the cyber world, it’s a weapon. Cybercriminals craft convincing copycat websites offering too-good-to-be-true deals to lure in unsuspecting shoppers.

The development of fake websites follows a similar path to phishing scams. Scammers use sophisticated software to clone legitimate websites, which are then hosted on compromised or malicious servers. These counterfeit sites are often used together with phishing emails or advertisements to steal user data or payment information.

Gift card frauds

Gift cards from third-party vendors may not be as beneficial as they appear. There’s a real danger they could be fake or previously drained, rendering your gift worthless.

On the dark web, there are marketplaces and forums where stolen gift card numbers are bought and sold. Scammers also trade tips and tools for cracking the algorithms of gift card numbers, allowing them to generate and sell counterfeit cards.

Fake order confirmations

Be wary of unexpected emails, calls, or messages about orders or deliveries you don’t recognize.

This scam involves creating fake order confirmation emails that appear to come from well-known retailers. These emails are crafted using templates available on dark web markets, complete with logos and branding, and contain links to phishing websites or malware.

Social media scams

According to FTC data, social media ranks as the fifth most common way scammers contact their victims. In cases reported on social media scams, 61% resulted in financial loss. The median amount that people were scammed out of was $528. Think twice before you click on offers that look too good to be true.

These scams are often centered around fake profiles or compromised accounts. The dark web provides a venue for buying and selling the access credentials to these accounts, as well as software that automates the creation of posts and messages designed to defraud social media users.

The methodology behind Black Friday cyber threat analysis

The compilation of data was a joint effort with independent experts focused on researching cybersecurity incidents. The team conducted an analysis of the most searched terms related to Black Friday, including popular discussion topics, retail chains, and methods of attack. They conducted their search analysis over a period stretching from September 2022 to August 2023.

The benchmark is based on the average monthly search volume for Black Friday-related scam terms, and variations from this norm were calculated accordingly.

Fortifying your digital defenses: five tactical measures

Be skeptical of unexpected communications

Phishing doesn’t come with a neon sign. Treat unexpected emails and messages cautiously, verifying the sender through other channels if necessary.

Update and patch regularly

Ensure that all systems and software are up-to-date with the latest security patches. Think of updates as your digital immune system’s vitamins—essential for fending off infection by cybercriminals.

Separate work and personal devices

Using personal devices for work can cause trouble. If possible, keep them separate to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

Embrace strong, unique passwords

A common foothold for cybercriminals is a weak password. Opt for complex, unique passwords for each account, and consider a password manager to keep track of them all.

Educate on cyber hygiene

Empower employees and users with knowledge. Regular training sessions can turn the most innocuous user into a vigilant watchkeeper against phishing scams and suspicious links.

Strengthen your business with NordLayer security

The shift to hybrid work models has made the understanding of security threats more important than ever. NordLayer helps businesses adapt by providing advanced solutions for network access and management. Our services are built around the Zero Trust security model, which rigorously verifies every access request, thus enhancing your data protection. Virtual Private Gateways further secure your operations with dedicated servers that encrypt data and offer detailed access management, seamlessly integrating with leading login systems.

NordLayer offers a suite of security features, including a top-quality VPN, multi-factor authentication, and ongoing network monitoring, designed to fit your business needs without additional hardware complexity.

Contact NordLayer today to strengthen your organization’s defenses against cyber threats.

A discussion with Dean Mechlowitz, Co-founder of TEKRiSQ responsible for Technology Operations, about the main challenges organizations face with cybersecurity threats, the benefits of the NordLayer Partner Program, and what perspectives are anticipated for different industries.

Highlights

• About the company: TEKRiSQ is a cybersecurity team of up to 10 people aiding small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the US and Canada and focusing on enhancing cyber resilience against digital threats since 2021.

• Business case: the MSP tackles the challenges SMBs face in cybersecurity, addressing the lack of internal IT expertise and the misconception of being too insignificant to be targeted.

• NordLayer adoption: a partner utilizes NordLayer’s simple and efficient remote network access solutions to enhance cybersecurity for clients without overwhelming them.

• Benefits of NordLayer Partner Program: the program offers MSPs like TEKRiSQ user-friendly solutions, a centralized management portal, and reporting capabilities, emphasizing ease of use for end-users.

• Future projections. Future cybersecurity challenges will center around remote work risks, the protection of personal data, and the need for basic security measures like multi-factor authentication.

About the company

TEKRiSQ is a team of cybersecurity professionals helping SMBs build cyber resilience against digital threats. Operating as a managed service provider (MSP) in the US and Canada, a team of up to 10 people ensures that their clients transform into fully cyber-insurable companies.

Established in 2021, TEKRiSQ was founded on strong fundamentals of experience and expertise in modern cybersecurity and technology. The company has been advising everyone from small teams to big global players, gaining unique insights into the industry and how SMBs navigate the changing security landscape.

Dean Mechlowitz, Co-founder of TEKRiSQ responsible for Technology Operations, discusses the company’s approach to building cybersecurity culture and technology stack for SMBs, and how NordLayer’s secure remote access solution contributes to their mission.

Business case: bringing in the cyber expertise so clients don’t have to move a finger

According to TEKRiSQ, companies often struggle not due to industry-specific challenges but because of their mindset when it comes to adopting security measures. Small and medium enterprises are convinced that their insignificance will protect them from potential risks.

SMBs who don’t typically have internal IT departments or Chief Information Officers end up outsourcing specialists and services. Without the right knowledge, it’s challenging to determine cyber risks applicable to their businesses and keep up with technological changes. 

The lack of expertise makes organization decision-makers immobile and hesitant in taking action because the only thought they have in their minds is, “What do I do?” However, some service providers jump into the multibillion-dollar MSP market with no actual experience in cybersecurity.

Qualified MSPs often play a crucial role in guiding organizations lost in the subject. They are responsible not only for bringing knowledge and expertise but also for making sure the clients are aware of the risks. Our speaker Dean highlights that clients tend not to know or simply don’t care about the importance of business cybersecurity.

Guiding the unaware and the naive with a pragmatic approach

TEKRiSQ’s strategy is to use cyber insurance channels to get clients’ attention to security needs.

Business owners and managers, just like any other person, are looking for a quick and painless solution to their problem—and insurance, at first glance, seems like an easy way out. However, businesses must comply with insurance requirements that usually include the incorporation of network and data security policies.

Then, the ignorant, unaware, or careless mindset faces a reality check after hearing three control questions from a TEKRiSQ representative:

1. If all your data was exposed and published on the dark web, would that be a problem for your business?

2. If all your data was inaccessible for three or four weeks, would that be a problem for your business?

3. If your computers were shut down for a month or two, would that be a problem for your business?

According to Dean, everybody uses computers, and everybody has data that’s really sensitive, so the answer is, “Of course, it’d be a problem,” and it doesn’t matter what business you’re in.

So there are certain businesses that have bigger risks, and some have smaller ones, but it’s the MSPs’ task to identify and mitigate them for the client if they lack internal resources to do it independently.

Close collaboration with insurance providers allows TEKRiSQ to be at full speed with what’s required by the insurer. Many MSPs are unaware of such nuances and cannot offer clients the right solutions.

Close-up on the solution

TEKRiSQ is a unique managed service provider that performs risk assessments in 30 minutes. They also focus on delivering solutions in minutes, not weeks or months. Thus, working with tools that correspond with such objectives is super important.

NordLayer’s onboarding for secure remote network access is about as simple as possible. You put the email into the system, and it sends an activation email. The setup must be super simple so non-tech users can understand it and follow instructions.

As an MSP, TEKRiSQ must have access to activity reporting to see whether the clients are using the systems. If the activity is low, they must be able to enforce the service, as companies tend to forget to use it after installing the application.

Finally, adding extra layers of security, like incorporating dedicated IP into the company’s network protection, is crucial. Whether it’s encrypting connections while working on a public network or adding IP or access control lists for the firewall—the client most likely doesn’t realize the need for such a measure because they don’t know there’s more behind a firewall or generic VPN.

Why join the NordLayer Partner Program?

Our Partner Program provides MSPs with an ecosystem of user-friendly solutions, educational materials, and hands-on support from our experts. The main benefit of NordLayer is in our approach to thinking two steps ahead for our clients and partners.

NordLayer is all about stress-free cybersecurity. Thus, it has to be approachable for the end-user and effective for our partners.

By providing a Service Management Portal, NordLayer gives its partners keys to their organizations’ administration in one place. There they have centralized controls of comprehensive security features and user management.

Interested in collaborating to build a more resilient and aware cybersecurity landscape for businesses and organizations? NordLayer invites Managed Service Providers to seize the opportunity to join our Partner Program.

Thank you, Dean, for sharing your experience with NordLayer in helping your clients overcome network security challenges.

Future projections: threats and challenges to keep an eye on

Experience and daily work in the cybersecurity field help draw some presumptions about what to expect from the industry in the upcoming years. Our story hero, Dean agreed to share his insights on what companies should be cautious about in order to protect their businesses.

Suppose you want to work remotely from the most innovative and technologically advanced countries. In that case, we present to you the Top 5 you should consider as your next stop in the digital nomad’s journey. As you will see, each has its own pros and cons that might be a deciding factor for you. However, neither of these countries will let you down with tourism attractiveness.

Why choose the most innovative country for remote work?

When it comes to finding the best locations for working remotely, you’ll see Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, or Tenerife Island, which belongs to Spain. Had enough of Europe? Then try the Puerto Vallarta beaches in Mexico or the tiny Mauritius, right next to Madagascar. And, of course, how can we forget the Asian gems, such as Bali, Indonesia, or Thailand?

But what if you don’t want to go where all fresh remote workers go? What if you’ve already been to all these destinations, most of which are packed with tourists? After all, Spain, Mexico, and Thailand are among the most visited countries.

When you’re done with the globetrotting and thinking about your next destination as a more permanent place, other factors suddenly come into play. Expats may want to trade ancient temples for well-developed digital and physical infrastructure and choose pioneering technologies over gorgeous mountain views.

If you’re tech-oriented and want to find an innovative destination for remote work, explore the best options in 2023 below. Most importantly, as you will see, choosing the most ingenious country for working remotely doesn’t mean giving up golden beaches or snow-peaked mountains.

How we found the top innovative countries for remote work

To find the best innovative countries for working remotely, we split the task in two. First, we used the Global Innovation Index 2023 (GII 2023) by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to determine the most advanced ones. This evaluation uses seven dimensions – institutions, human capital and research, infrastructure, market sophistication, business sophistication, knowledge and technology outputs, and creative outputs.

These dimensions are further split into 21 sub-dimensions that consist of 80 factors in total. Some of those are R&D investments, ICT use, venture capital investments, and unicorn valuation. All this data gives a comprehensive view of the most advanced countries in 2023.

Then, we used our latest Global Remote Work Index (GRWI) to see where these countries stand when it comes to working remotely. The four main elements of the GRWI are cyber safety, economic safety, digital & physical infrastructure, and social safety. Each of these had the same impact on the final scores.

These four elements covered a number of factors, such as infrastructure integrity, healthcare access, internet speed and stability, and the availability of human rights. In total, GRWI measured 27 sub-factors.

We’re eager to keep the suspense to the very end, but if you want to find out which innovative country is the best for remote work, here’s the list.

Top 5 most innovative countries in the world 2023

According to GII 2023, these are the most innovative countries:

1. Switzerland

2. Sweden

3. The United States

4. The United Kingdom

5. Singapore

Now, let’s dive into some takeaways:

1. Switzerland has been the most innovative country since 2011. It’s also leading in knowledge and technology and creative outputs categories, especially in intellectual property receipts and GitHub commits per million people.

2. Sweden was always bouncing between the 2nd and the 3rd place. This country stands out as the leader in the business sophistication category. If we dig deeper, we’ll find Sweden ranks first in both the number of researchers per million people and the number of Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patents per unit of GDP.

3. The United States finished 2nd last year but got manhandled by Sweden in 2023. Despite that, it’s 1st by market and 2nd by business sophistication plus knowledge and technology output. Also, the US has top universities, along with the biggest entertainment and media market.

4. The United Kingdom has always been in the 4th position, with the exception of 2019 GRWI results. Its strongest suits are creative outputs and market sophistication. But if we delve into factors from other dimensions, we’ll find the UK is 2nd in university rankings and environmental performance and 1st by citable documents (H-index).

5. Singapore was 8th most of the time when last year it moved to 7th, throwing away the Netherlands this year. It has no competition in the institutions dimension, scoring the highest in most factors. Another strong side of Singapore is human capital and research, especially tertiary education. We also found it leading logistics performance, received venture capital value, and cultural and creative services exports.

It is clear that all five most innovative countries are also popular tourist destinations, meaning there’s plenty to see and experience when you close the laptop for the day.

Top 5 countries for remote workers in 2023

Now, it’s time to evaluate the remote work friendliness of the most innovative countries with the help of the GRWI 2023 index.

1. Switzerland

When considering remote work destinations, Switzerland’s ranking at 29th for digital nomads may come as a surprise, given the fact that it’s the most advanced country in the world.

For starters, let’s acknowledge that Switzerland has the best social safety. Whether it’s personal rights, inclusiveness, or physical safety index, this country delivers.

Moreover, this most innovative country in 2023 is doing well in digital and physical infrastructure (5th). That’s most evident from the internet connection quality (5th), despite its lower e-government ranking within the Top 30.

Cyber safety is an area for improvement in Switzerland. It does not crack the Top 10 when factors like infrastructure, response capacity, and legal frameworks are weighed, landing it at 43rd place globally.

Economic safety is the most significant hurdle for remote workers considering Switzerland, primarily due to the high cost of living (98th) that overshadows its attractions, language proficiency, and healthcare quality.

Overall, Switzerland can be a good place for remote work if you’re not on a budget and haven’t seen Rhine Falls or Chapel Bridge yet. For those seeking more economical alternatives within Europe, there are plenty of options that combine the allure of affordability with the convenience of remote working.

2. Sweden

We move north to see if forward-thinking Sweden has thought about the WFA generation. It turns out it did, boasting the fifth spot in our GRWI 2023 rankings.

To start off, Sweden has a Top 10 economic safety and digital & physical infrastructure. For instance, it’s the best place to get well as the No #1 healthcare just won’t disappoint. Also, the e-infrastructure is great (5th), along with the internet quality (11th).

Even social safety, ranked 15th, comes with outstanding personal rights (2nd) and inclusiveness (3rd). However, we must point out that safety (64th) can be a concern in the second most innovative country.

Sweden struggles the most with cyber safety (21st). While response capacity (4th) is top-notch, the same cannot be said about infrastructure (19th).

Even though Sweden is cheaper than Switzerland, it is still expensive (79th), which is a primary concern for most remote workers. At least there’s a lot to see, and asking for directions in English will bring positive results most of the time.

3. The United States

It’s always tough to generalize countries of such magnitude, but we did our best and found the US to be the 16th option for remote nomads and digital workers. While that might not sound impressive after Sweden, we want to point out that this highly innovative country is still more remote-friendly than 85% of the world.

So, where are its biggest strengths? The most eye-catching factor is economic safety – the US is second only to the UK. Plus, it has the best tourism attractiveness and English proficiency. Even the much-discussed healthcare is great (4th).

Furthermore, the US has advanced digital and physical infrastructure (6th). In this dimension, internet affordability and e-government shine the brightest (both 2nd).

Cyber safety (33rd) and social safety (37th) are the two dimensions that drag the US down. While the former at least has the best infrastructure, the latter’s top result is 20th place.

Ultimately, the US is too big and multicultural to offer the same experience for every remote worker. But as with the countries above, the cost of living is its Achilles heel.

4. The United Kingdom

As the 19th country for remote work, the UK remains in the Top 10 according to many factors. Once again, that’s not a bad result by any means, given that GRWI 2023 analyzed 108 countries in total.

The United Kingdom is the strongest in economic safety. That mainly comes from tourism attractiveness (3rd) and English proficiency (1st).

Then we have the digital and physical infrastructure (12th), with the physical part being especially strong (2nd). The UK has some work to do with its social safety (28th), though, as only personal rights (10th) make it to the Top 20.

An essential dimension for digital nomads, cyber safety needs the most attention (36th). However, if we dig deeper into separate factors, we’ll find a superior infrastructure (2nd).

Just like the other most innovative countries above, the UK offers a myriad of options for tourists. And just like the same locations, its high cost of living (including quite expensive and not-so-great internet) will make remote workers seek out locations that offer a better cost-efficiency balance.

5. Singapore

And now, the time has come for the only Asian country on our list. The innovative and modern Singapore is 28th on our GRWI 2023 rankings. It feels like Switzerland (29th) is in the rear, but as you’ll find out, the pros and cons for digital nomads differ quite a bit.

If digital and physical infrastructure matters to you most, there’s no better place to be than Singapore. It has the best e-government and physical infrastructure, with internet quality (4th) not far behind. However, its price is below average (58th).

The rest of the dimensions are below the Top 20. Under cyber security, Singapore can be proud of its infrastructure (4th). Tourism attractiveness and English proficiency, both 3rd, are a big plus for remote workers. Sadly, the same cannot be said about the cost of living (96th) and personal rights (80th).

In fact, Singapore’s personal rights index may give some individuals pause when considering it as a destination. While the country offers top-notch digital and physical infrastructure along with tourism options, the high prices and average healthcare make it less attractive for a longer stay as an expat.

The best tech country for remote work in 2023

After evaluating the GII and GRWI data, we proclaim Sweden the best innovative country to work remotely in 2023. It’s followed by the US, the UK, Switzerland, and Singapore.

Sweden won first place thanks to its attractiveness to remote workers. Its tourism appeal, quality healthcare, and well-developed e-infrastructure, along with remarkable inclusiveness and personal rights, sealed the deal. The biggest concern for digital nomads will be the high cost of living, but that can be said about all other most advanced countries for remote work.

In the end, each of us has different priorities and expectations before starting to work remotely. Therefore, some other country might look like the top destination for you. We encourage you to dive deeper into the GRWI ranking and find your personal favorite. 

Navigating the landscape of remote work can be a complex task for businesses. A solid plan, grounded in real-world data and insights, is the cornerstone of a successful remote work strategy.

That’s where resources like the Global Remote Work Index (GRWI) come into play. This powerful tool compiles extensive data to provide a comprehensive view of remote work trends around the world. Gathering the insights helps companies craft effective and informed remote work policies.

In this article, we’ll guide you through using the index to develop a remote work policy that is both efficient and employee-friendly, ensuring that your team stays productive, connected, and content, no matter where they are working from. 

Benefits and challenges of remote work—the need for a remote work strategy

Harnessing the benefits

Remote work, a transformative approach to traditional work environments, offers a wealth of benefits. It opens doors to a global talent pool, allowing companies to tap into diverse skills and perspectives. This approach fosters innovation and enhances the company’s adaptability in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Flexibility is another remarkable advantage. It allows employees to create a work schedule that aligns with their most productive hours, improving overall work quality and output. Businesses can also reduce expenses, saving on office space and other associated costs, allowing for redistributing resources towards growth and development initiatives.

Facing the challenges

Despite its numerous benefits, remote work also presents challenges that businesses must navigate diligently. One of the primary concerns is maintaining consistent communication and collaboration among team members. The absence of a physical office can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection, potentially impacting team synergy and morale.

Data security is also paramount. Protecting sensitive information becomes more complex when employees work from various locations, requiring robust cybersecurity measures and policies to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

The crucial role of a remote work strategy

Considering these factors, the need for a well-rounded remote work strategy becomes clear. Such a strategy should optimize the benefits while effectively addressing the challenges. Utilizing comprehensive resources like the Global Remote Work Index can be instrumental in this regard, offering critical insights for informed policy-making.

A successful strategy should encompass clear communication guidelines, ensuring that team members can collaborate seamlessly and maintain a sense of community. Implementing reliable tech tools and platforms to facilitate communication and project management is crucial.

Moreover, it’s essential to establish cybersecurity protocols to safeguard company data, including secure access systems and regular employee training on cybersecurity best practices.

By adopting a thoughtful and strategic approach, businesses can create a remote work policy that maximizes productivity and innovation while fostering a supportive and secure virtual work environment.

Setting clear objectives for a remote work strategy with GRWI

The GRWI is an invaluable tool that offers insights to refine and optimize remote work policies. Here’s a look at how leveraging the index can guide businesses in setting clear and impactful objectives.

The full methodology and data sources guide through the layers of the GRWI tool, explicitly showcasing the criteria to consider.

Accessing a broader talent pool

The GRWI presents a nuanced perspective that helps organizations tap into a broader talent pool, which is vital for cultivating innovation and global competitiveness.

• The index evaluates the prevalence of individuals using the internet. Categorically, it’s placed under the e-infrastructure rank that is part of the digital and physical infrastructure dimension. This data is paramount as it provides insights into digital connectivity and accessibility in society in various regions, a necessity for remote work.

• Another significant component integrated within the GRWI is English proficiency within the economic safety dimension. English, often called the global business language, is vital for widening the talent acquisition spectrum. Proficiency in English allows organizations to communicate seamlessly, ensuring that language barriers do not restrict collaborative productivity and innovation.

• The GRWI also includes the e-government ranking from the digital and physical infrastructure dimension. It emphasizes the significance of digital public services in facilitating remote work. This provides insight into the digital advancement of governmental operations, reflecting a region’s overall digital maturity, which is important for foreign business integration.

By analyzing these crucial elements, organizations can strategically expand their workforce, ensuring access to diverse talents and skills essential for driving organizational success in a digitally connected global landscape.

Boosting productivity

In crafting a policy that optimizes productivity in a remote work setting, the GRWI offers essential insights by analyzing various crucial metrics.

• One key area is the quality of the internet, nestled within the digital and physical infrastructure dimension. A reliable and robust internet connection is the backbone of effective remote work, enabling seamless communication, access to information, and use of productivity tools and applications, ultimately reducing downtime and frustration caused by connectivity issues.

• GRWI’s focus on cyber incident response, categorized under the cyber safety dimension, helps assess the right country for remote work. A strong stance on cyber safety, reflected by a region’s ability to swiftly and effectively respond to cyber incidents, ensures uninterrupted workflow by safeguarding organizational and employee data.

• Including the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) adoption index as part of the e-infrastructure score (the digital and physical infrastructure dimension) embraces the technology that bolsters productivity. This metric sheds light on how deeply integrated technology is within a region, pointing to the availability and use of tech tools that facilitate smoother and more efficient remote working experiences.

Blending these elements provides an instrumental viewpoint for organizations aiming to amplify productivity in a remote work environment. Companies can use this data to design policies that mitigate challenges, using technological infrastructure and cybersecurity measures to cultivate a productive, resilient, and secure remote workforce.

Reducing costs

Harnessing the data provided by the GRWI, organizations can strategically navigate towards cost-efficiency in their remote work policies. The index integrates several key elements crucial in this aspect.

• A prime component is internet affordability, located within the digital and physical infrastructure dimension. This metric is essential because it allows organizations to assess the financial feasibility of remote operations in various regions, ensuring that employees can access stable internet connections without excessive costs, thus maintaining organizational expenditure at reasonable levels.

• Next in line is the co-working space density per capita rank, also encapsulated within the digital and physical infrastructure dimension. A higher density indicates more options and potentially lower costs for securing suitable, professional working environments for remote employees, especially those lacking a conducive home office setup.

• The cost of living, placed under the economic safety dimension, is another fundamental component. This data helps organizations gauge the general affordability aspect of different locations, enabling a clearer view for determining compensations and other allowances, ensuring that employees can maintain a decent standard of living without causing organizational costs to skyrocket

With these elements, organizations can compose a pragmatic perspective for shaping remote work policies that are both effective and economically sound. By using the GRWI data, organizations are better equipped to steer their remote work strategies towards enhanced cost-efficiency, making informed decisions that align with both organizational and employee financial well-being.

Improving work-life balance

Using the GRWI can be a game-changer in cultivating a remote work policy that enhances work-life balance. The index combines various indicators that can be instrumental in fostering a more balanced and enriching remote work experience.

• Consideration of the tourist attractiveness of a location as part of the economic safety dimension provides insights into the livability and allure of different regions. For remote workers, residing in a location with a high tourist attractiveness score can enhance the quality of life outside of work, providing multiple options for leisure, exploration, and relaxation, contributing positively to work-life balance.

• The healthcare rank, another data point under the economic safety dimension, contributes significantly to determining the suitability of a location for remote work. A robust healthcare system is crucial in ensuring the well-being of remote workers, providing accessibility to quality medical services, and promoting a healthy lifestyle, which is essential for productivity and job satisfaction.

• Inclusiveness, found in the social safety dimension, focuses on social cohesion and equality within a region. An inclusive environment helps facilitate a sense of belonging and community among remote workers, mitigating feelings of isolation and enhancing overall life satisfaction.

By prioritizing these aspects, organizations can facilitate a remote work experience that is not only productive but also conducive to their workforce’s overall well-being and happiness.

Putting the GRWI tool into action: a how-to guide

The index has a number of layers that can be used to gain reliable insights and develop an effective remote work strategy.

Let’s say a company wants to hire people from another country to help maintain the organization’s low expenses. We established that looking at internet affordability, co-working space availability, and the cost of living is beneficial to keep costs down.

All these elements derive from economic safety and physical and digital safety dimensions, so this is where we need to focus:

Since GRWI incorporates data from 108 countries, consolidating the Top 10 countries of each dimension will reduce the scope:

We get two perfect matches on these lists—the United States and Sweden. To select the final candidate by evaluating its overall score, we need to compare them on all different dimensions:

To make a more detailed decision, you can browse additional criteria to gather in-depth insights, for example, such as the country’s English proficiency or safety rankings:

Now you’re able to create insights from gathered information. The GRWI tool provides users with options to explore data from different perspectives, so take your time using it.

Make GRWI your insights asset

The Global Remote Work Index acts as a compass, guiding businesses in crafting remote work policies that are both efficient and empathetic. By setting clear objectives focused on work-life balance, cost reduction, talent acquisition, and productivity enhancement, organizations can unlock the full potential of remote work for success and sustainability.

In 2022, a remarkable milestone was reached in the world of healthcare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global healthcare expenditures soared by a staggering $12 trillion. However, the impressive figure came with a burden. The health industry faced a dual challenge: staff shortages and the flood of patient data. Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a promising solution, offering revolutionary changes. Yet, alongside its potential, it also raises critical safety concerns. 

This article looks at the potential of generative AI in healthcare. It also explores the risks involved in its rapid adoption. Read on to understand how AI could reshape healthcare and what precautions are necessary for its responsible implementation.

The healthcare in crisis

Under pressure: the health industry

As the pandemic spread, it stretched global healthcare systems thin. The World Economic Forum warns of growing worker shortages, widening health differences, and unsustainable spending. Moreover, by 2030, a staggering shortfall of 10 million healthcare workers globally is anticipated, highlighting the urgency of addressing the gaps.

The digitization challenges: riding the data wave

As hospitals started their journey to digitalize their customer records and operations, they faced a surge in data. Efficiency was the goal, but this integration demanded equipment investment and staff training. It’s projected that global healthcare data will surpass 10 zettabytes, that is 1,024,000,000,000,000 gigabytes, by 2025. Perhaps more concerning is the revelation that over 70% of healthcare providers across various nations are struggling with the volume of patient data.

Embracing technological adaption

To maintain the highest standards of healthcare quality, hospitals must adapt swiftly to this digital transformation. Technologies, particularly generative AI, stand ready as potential game-changers. Consider the rise of AI-powered chatbots and call centers employing generative AI methodologies. These digital assistants are pivotal in patient education and assessment, especially in low- and middle-income countries with scarce healthcare resources.

AI in healthcare: a prescription for progress

Now, let’s examine AI’s role in healthcare, focusing on its applications and innovative potential. As we explore ethical considerations and potential drawbacks, we’ll gain a comprehensive insight into AI’s impact on the healthcare sector.

The potentials and pitfalls of AI: walking the tightrope

While AI promises to transform healthcare by accelerating diagnoses, managing patient data efficiently, and assisting in complex procedures, it’s essential to acknowledge the complexities of this transformation. For example, despite analyses suggesting that an ideal share should exceed 10%, in the US and Europe, a mere 3% of healthcare spending is allocated for preventive care. This discrepancy emphasizes the need for a cautious approach to integrating AI into healthcare.

The financial magnitude and growth of AI in healthcare underscore its transformative potential. The AI healthcare market, valued at $11 billion in 2021, is projected to skyrocket to $187 billion by 2030. This exponential growth indicates the increasing reliance and investment in AI technologies to innovate and enhance healthcare delivery and management.

Yet, it’s crucial to navigate this path with caution. Professor Collin Stultz, a cardiologist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an expert in machine learning for cardiovascular care, says that perspectives on AI in healthcare oscillate between viewing it as a panacea for numerous challenges and perceiving it as a potential threat. As is often the case, the truth likely resides somewhere between these extremes.

Caution and security: protecting healthcare data

The World Economic Forum’s Breaking Barriers to Health Data program suggests creating a consortium where different organizations can share their health-related data, especially about genes. This way, they hope to fill the gap in available genetic information and also improve research and diagnostic capabilities.

For instance, the Mayo Clinic and Pramana’s collaboration to digitize pathology slides. This showcases the practical data usage in healthcare. With the rise of AI in the industry, it’s crucial to understand its capabilities and limitations, especially in the face of increasing data breaches.

Providing robust security measures for sensitive data is vital to maintaining patient trust and safeguarding information. Implementing AI must be approached cautiously, ensuring patient data and healthcare service integrity are uncompromised.

Addressing staff shortages: AI as a helping hand

The WHO estimates a global shortfall of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030, highlighting a critical need to address workforce gaps. AI can step in to alleviate pressure by handling routine tasks, enabling healthcare professionals to focus on complex patient needs. It’s important to note that AI isn’t here to replace human expertise but rather to enhance the efficiency of the human workforce.

AI’s ability to generate insights is also key in designing and executing efficient and inclusive clinical trials. This application enhances the efficiency of clinical trials and ensures they are robust and representative of many populations. For example, H1, a technology company, has used AI to streamline decision-making and accelerate patient recruitment in clinical trials, ultimately lightening the workload on existing staff.

AI in action: transformative cases in healthcare

Artificial Intelligence notably influences drug discovery and clinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry. Let’s now explore real-world examples that demonstrate its profound impact.

AI in drug discovery: unknown avenues

AI is ushering in a new era in drug discovery, offering new pathways to understand disease mechanisms and formulate targeted treatments. Consider Benevolent AI, a prime example, which applies AI to identify patient subgroups that respond most favorably to specific treatments. This approach enhances treatment precision and reveals new therapeutic possibilities by providing deeper insights into disease processes.

Also, tools based on deep learning uncover novel insights into the underlying disease mechanisms and identify new therapeutic assets. Companies like DeepMind and Benevolent AI are pioneering this innovative approach.

Streamlining clinical trials: faster, smarter, and more inclusive

The journey from drug discovery to patient benefit is usually lengthy, often stretching over 15 years. However, it can be shortened with AI stepping in and optimizing critical processes, such as site selection and participant recruitment, ensuring that life-changing treatments reach patients faster.

H1, a pioneering AI platform, is making waves in the pharmaceutical industry by facilitating quicker decision-making processes. It has successfully reduced site failures and accelerated patient recruitment in clinical trials, shaving off weeks, if not months, from the typical timeline.

Enhancing clinical trial design: a revolution in progress

AI is not only helping streamline clinical trials. It also revolutionizes their very design, ensuring that they both are efficient and representative of diverse populations.

One critical aspect of enhancing clinical trials is tailoring messages and recruitment strategies to attract the right patients. AI is bridging the gap by connecting doctors with clinics capable of recruiting suitable participants. This approach improves the efficiency of clinical trials.

For instance, Johnson & Johnson, the industry giant, uses AI-based data analysis to innovate how medicines are discovered and developed. By improving patient data, AI generates insights that empower clinical research teams to design and execute more targeted and inclusive clinical trials.

The potential of AI in pharmaceuticals

Integrating AI in drug discovery and clinical trials will revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry. This acceleration, combined with optimizing clinical trials, highlights AI’s transformative and innovative power in healthcare. It opens up a new horizon of possibilities and advancements that bring treatments to patients more swiftly than before.

The financial stakes of AI in healthcare are staggering. This market’s growth indicates a substantial investment and reliance on AI technologies to innovate healthcare delivery and management.

AI: optimism versus skepticism

The dialogue surrounding AI in healthcare is multifaceted, with both enthusiasts and skeptics presenting compelling arguments. Advocates highlight AI’s potential to revolutionize healthcare, emphasizing its capacity to enhance efficiency, improve diagnostic accuracy, and pave the way for personalized medicine.

As Prof. Collin Stultz from MIT points out, the reality of AI’s role in healthcare likely lies somewhere between these extremes of optimism and skepticism. Striking a balance becomes essential, harnessing the potential benefits of AI and mitigating associated risks.

AI brings notable advancements in healthcare but also introduces ethical dilemmas, especially concerning data usage and algorithmic biases. The conversation often revolves around maximizing AI’s capabilities while ensuring ethical, transparent, and equitable use.

AI promises to revolutionize healthcare but also presents practical challenges, such as regulatory compliance, system interoperability, and algorithm efficacy validation.

The ongoing debate is between AI’s theoretical potential and the practical challenges of its implementation, calling for a pragmatic approach that acknowledges both its promises and pitfalls.

Also, the discussion about the human element in AI-driven healthcare focuses on augmenting professionals’ capabilities versus the risk of care dehumanization and technology over-reliance.

Potential risks of AI

As the integration of AI into healthcare continues to advance, it brings with it a set of challenges and concerns. From data privacy issues to ethical dilemmas, the healthcare sector must tread carefully to ensure that the adoption of AI enhances patient care without compromising safety or trust.

Data security and breaches

One of the biggest concerns with AI in healthcare is data security. Hospitals and clinics store highly sensitive information, like medical history and personal details.

Data breaches in healthcare are becoming more common, and that’s a big red flag when we’re talking about using AI to manage patient data. So, how can we make sure AI is safe to use?

First, any AI system has to meet strict security standards before it even gets near patient data. This means heavy-duty encryption and multiple layers of security checks. Also, regular audits and monitoring can help catch any unusual activity before it becomes problematic.

While AI has much potential to improve healthcare, it also comes with risks that must be managed carefully. Data security is at the top of that list, which healthcare providers and tech companies must take seriously.

Steps to ensure data safety

Best Practices for Secure AI Integration

Safety is a top priority for integrating AI into healthcare, especially concerning data security. There are still ways to ensure patient data remains secure when using AI systems.

1. Strict access control: limit who can access the AI system and the patient data it uses. Only authorized personnel should have access, and even then, only to the extent necessary for their role.

2. Data encryption: all data in transit should be encrypted; this can be achieved with a solution like NordLayer. This makes it much harder for unauthorized users to make sense of the data even if they manage to access it.

3. Regular security audits: conduct regular security audits to identify any vulnerabilities. This should include both the AI system itself and the broader data infrastructure.

4. Multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA requires multiple verification forms before granting sensitive systems or data access. This adds an extra layer of security that can deter unauthorized access.

5. In-house AI tools: while third-party solutions may not always meet your needs, developing in-house AI tools allows for customized security measures tailored to your organization’s unique requirements.

6. User training: educate healthcare staff on the importance of data security and the best practices for using AI systems. A well-informed team is a crucial line of defense against potential breaches.

7. Incident response plan: plan how to respond if a data breach occurs. Quick action can minimize damage and help restore system integrity.

By following these best practices, healthcare providers can take significant steps toward ensuring that the integration of AI into their systems is as secure as possible. While AI presents new challenges in data security, careful planning and stringent measures can mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the need for AI in healthcare, it’s evident that AI presents promising solutions while the sector grapples with challenges such as staff shortages and intricate data management. Yet, with these advancements come inherent security risks. As we delve deeper into the digital transformation of healthcare, responsible AI implementation paired with stringent security measures becomes paramount. Consider NordLayer to protect your sensitive data for a secure digital future.

Mobility and device versatility make business digital possibilities nearly endless. However, overcoming one technical or security challenge means another will soon emerge. Just like enabling secure remote user access to the company network raises another issue for IT administrators — how to ensure only compliant devices enter the network? 

Customized internal policies must be synced with the organization’s business model and sensitive data levels. Specific rules define how identities are managed to access the company network; on another security level, they are redistributed to access unrestricted resources.

In this process, the absent layer of security guarantees entering devices match the set organization’s security criteria to prevent potential security breaches. Companies can address this challenge by adopting Zero Trust Network Access-based endpoint controls.

A service like Device Posture Security provides a comprehensive solution for organizations looking to bolster their security. By monitoring – and, if required, blocking – devices that connect to the company network, organizations can mitigate risk levels of exposing sensitive information to dangerous scenarios.

Device Posture Security using NordLayer

NordLayer’s Device Posture Security service is based on the ZTNA security model, meaning that all devices are treated as untrusted until they can prove trustworthy.

This approach ensures that organizations have complete visibility and control over the devices connecting to their network.

Primarily, NordLayer-introduced Device Posture Security service allowed monitoring network-entering devices. Now the technology is enhanced with blocking functionality that enables network administrators to take action once a non-compliant device is detected.

How does NordLayer’s Device Posture Security service work?

The cloud-based service monitors all devices with an installed/running NordLayer application.

Device Posture Security allows organization admins to perform several actions for more accurate and extensive network supervision:

• The service qualifies admins to get notified about new devices entering the network and lets to identify them

• Inspect if the compatible operating system (OS) of every entering device is used, and check its version against the supported OSs’ list

• Verify the newest NordLayer application version is utilized

• Scan organization-enlisted devices to see if they contain an admin-installed file that allows determining corporate devices from personal ones

• Browse a History tab with the logged activity of all connected devices for investigation and auditing network activity

More in-depth information allows for following the internal procedures to enforce OS or application updates to ensure the most recent patches and bug fixes are in place.

The Device Posture Security service helps close potential security gaps by checking if the device is not jailbroken/rooted or doesn’t miss an organization-enrolled file. If the device doesn’t comply, admins can disconnect it from the network to protect it.

How NordLayer’s Device Posture Security is different?

NordLayer’s Device Security Posture contains two capabilities. Until the latest service upgrade, it was dedicated only to device posture monitoring. The full composition of the service now offers monitoring and device account-blocking capability functions.

The ability to monitor and allow only trusted devices to access digital company resources helps adopt the ZTNA approach, allowing organizations to enjoy peace of mind knowing that all devices connecting to their network meet their security standards.

• Only trusted devices are permitted. Device Posture Security enables organization administrators to verify every device within the network separately, whether it’s a known endpoint. If the device is unrecognized, an alert is triggered for the admin to review if it complies with company security policy requirements.

• Use of allowlisted operating systems. The NordLayer application is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. However, a company can only settle to work with one OS, like macOS. Thus, the service will notify the system if a user tries to use a device with any other but enabled OS.

• Ensuring utilized OS versions are up-to-date. Due to security patching requirements, companies can define a threshold by which OS versions comply with internal policies. Therefore, if the system detects an outdated operating system version that deviates from set rules, it informs the administrator to take relevant action.

• Establishing the use of the latest NordLayer app version. Following NordLayer’s Release Notes, IT managers can see the latest information about new and essential feature launches that apply to the most recent application version.

• Existing File check. Administrators can store a specific file that labels the device as approved to log and recognize corporate devices. This action distinguishes corporate-approved devices from personal ones, even if they consist of the same operating system and version.

To ensure organization members use the latest app version, the admin must create a Device Posture Security profile with the desired NordLayer version to determine who should update the app.

NordLayer’s Device Posture Security offering builds a practical, security-by-design-based approach to business network protection. Thus, the service allows close supervision of endpoints within the network if they are up-to-date as required. Automated device inspection helps prevent overlooked security gaps whether the organization has only a dozen or a few hundred users.

Benefits of Device Posture Security

Regular check-ups of in-network operating devices establish a threat prevention-based approach to internal compliance management. The service enables organization network admins to act more centrally, define the scope of the rules, and maintain high security levels without spending long hours or hiring a squad to carry out such tasks.

Enforcing rules centrally

Created security policies can be enforced in a matter of moments for the full-scale organization within a few mouse clicks.

The Control Panel allows administrators to see what teams fall under the security requirements and must follow the rules.

Increasing device visibility to the admin

The larger the company, the bigger the endpoint network to supervise. Especially when users practice having a few devices per member, multiplying the work scope for the administrators.

Device Posture Security reveals and registers every endpoint within the company network, collecting information in the History tab and limiting the possibility of slipping for unauthorized or faulty devices at a given time.

Understanding whether the device is compliant and up-to-date

The service allows network admins to see more in-depth information on whether the endpoints comply with organization security requirements.

Tracking what operating system and which version and NordLayer application edition is used creates a more action-based cybersecurity strategy for the organization.

Giving access to block untrusted devices

Device Posture Security allows network administrators to reject untrustworthy devices from the company network.

If the admin sees that the device is jailbroken or rooted, lacks a specific organization-deployed file, or needs an update—they can enforce action to be performed outside the organization and confirm device entrance to access resources only when the endpoint can be trusted.

Preventing non-compliant devices from accessing your network

The NordLayer service gives the option to see any deviating devices in the network that were infected or outdated while being there.

However, taking action at an entry level is as important. Blocking a non-compliant device beforehand helps avoid any back peddling with uncertain consequences if such a device is detected after entering the network.

Entering NordLayer’s Device Posture Security

Device Posture Security makes your organization more robust to digital threats and brings it one step closer to implementing the ZTNA model approach to the cybersecurity strategy. The Device Posture Security service setup and deployment are made straightforward to achieve it effectively.

NordLayer provides information about devices on the Control Panel. Device security check logs contain information such as timestamps when the last check was done or device deviation detected, endpoint identification information, and its status. The device status is based on admin-defined rules the organization must comply with.

For comprehensive tracking, organization-allowed devices can fall under the category of a fully compliant device or initiate an alert whether the device is unknown, operated by a forbidden OS, if the version needs an update, or device doesn’t contain a specific file required per internal security policy. As predefined by a set of rules, any deviation prevents the device from accessing company resources.

Device posture security checks are performed regularly. If a device becomes not compliant, an alert is triggered, and the user is disconnected from Virtual Private Gateway—such action was unavailable utilizing the Device Posture Monitoring service. With device account blocking, the Device Posture Security provides extra protection for company data without additional labor and resources.

Let’s discuss the NordLayer solution for your business network access security now.

It’s always nice to grab a cup of coffee in the office with Marija Dzemionaitė, the Head of Brand Marketing at NordLayer, to ask about the experiences and impressions once she is back from her travels. She is a professional digital nomad, occasionally exchanging her office desk for spectacular sights while working. 

Thus, it’s no surprise that Marija is the driving force behind the Global Remote Work Index (GRWI), a tool created by NordLayer. We had a chance to talk with her about the idea behind it, the perks of working remotely, and learn more about the latest 2023 GRWI findings.

Let’s go!

Marija, what sparked the idea for the Global Remote Work Index—why did it come around?

The pandemic was a new dawn for remote work. We saw the need and took it upon ourselves to help companies overcome network security challenges, as we aim to make remote work more accessible and user-friendly for organizations.

Cybersecurity is a complex subject typically linked with technology and solutions that tackle digital problems. But it is also about awareness of its context. If users want to be one step ahead of malicious actors, they need tools and knowledge to understand the cyber landscape better.

So, as hybrid work became essential, we launched the Global Remote Work Index (GRWI) to serve as a compass for businesses venturing into remote work. It helps evaluate the underlying risks and identify what actions help repel threats.

We at NordLayer realized the necessity for such a tool. The GRWI offered fundamental insights for companies and even countries to draw conclusions from. We know this because numerous news platforms, government agencies, and researchers worldwide have acknowledged the index.

Why should organizations pay attention to the GRWI?

The GRWI is your map for a remote working journey. Whether you’re a business or an individual, let the GRWI guide you to the best work-and-play destinations.

The tool offers current, reliable data on four critical dimensions for remote work. Each dimension provides in-depth insights into the state of remote work in various countries:

• Cyber safety

• Economic safety

• Digital & physical infrastructure

• Social safety

Cyber safety covers legal measures and various factors ensuring a safe digital environment. Economic safety looks into the cost of living, English proficiency, healthcare access, and quality leisure time. Digital and physical infrastructure focuses on internet quality and affordability, while social safety evaluates personal rights and safety rates in different countries.

For many organizations, remote work is a solution for maintaining business continuity. It solves talent issues, allowing hiring employees worldwide. It’s a compromise for employees who want to expand their borders or prefer flexibility. However, remote work is also a legal and security challenge that needs proper assessment, and the GRWI provides contextual information to do that.

Tell us, who’s the kingpin of remote work, according to the GRWI? Any dark horses that made you go “Whoa!”?

The GRWI has assessed 108 countries across six continents. Europe and Asia dominate the top half, whereas equatorial and southern regions often rank in the latter half.

In the first place of the 2023 rankings, Denmark stands out as the best. Slovakia secures the tenth spot—interestingly, the Top 10 countries are all from Europe. Kudos to the top three – Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany for their remarkable infrastructure, safety, and cyber protection achievements.

Speaking of surprises, Portugal was our underdog. It leaped 12 places, landing at the 6th position. And while Northern Europe is a remote work haven, Spain and Portugal bring a touch of Mediterranean warmth. Portugal is likely to be my choice for travel and work this year, as it also offers great value for living.

Which countries rocked the GRWI rankings by dimension this year?

We must remember that GRWI dimensions are a collection of various factors that fluctuate. It’s an achievement not only if a country secures a top position on the list but also shows improvement in a specific area compared to the previous year. I highly recommend everyone check how their country performs compared with the GRWI’s 2022 data for exciting insights.

Cyber safety

Cyber safety is the first dimension on the list, which I find the most intriguing. Naturally, you’d expect that cybersecurity advanced locations are the countries with strong economies. However, the GRWI’s rankings proved such speculations wrong because cyber safety is led by Slovakia, followed by Estonia and Lithuania.

These countries excel in digital skills, surpassing the European average. Their proficiency makes them appealing providers of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and business services to global companies. This has fueled the creation of startups and tech hubs, all requiring robust cyber safety measures.

Economic safety

Economic safety rank combines tourism attractiveness, English language proficiency, the cost of living index, and healthcare. Each element contributes to the country’s overall appeal for businesses and the workforce.

Looking at these components individually, strong tourism indicates stability as it contributes to the economy, promoting business activities and creating employment opportunities. Countries with high English proficiency—the global language of business—are more likely to attract international companies, fostering economic growth and multinational collaborations. A reasonable cost of living and accessible healthcare represent the quality of life in the country, attracting talent and, consequently, business investments. The leaders in economic safety are the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Digital and physical infrastructure

Digital and physical infrastructure reflects a country’s readiness and adaptability in the digital age. A reliable internet connection is essential for remote work, so affordability and quality are key factors here. Infrastructure and governmental services also contribute to creating a digitally and physically inclusive society.

All these elements help simplify logistics and administrative processes, making it easier for businesses and individuals to access essential services. The strongest players in digital and physical infrastructure, delivering the best quality services, are Singapore, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.

Social safety

Social safety as a holistic measure shows how people prefer to live and work where their rights are respected and protected.

Evaluating personal rights reflects the importance of an individual’s need to work freely and creatively, which can enhance productivity and job satisfaction. Inclusiveness helps build social cohesion and harmony, creating a peaceful environment that benefits both business and personal well-being.

In general, a safe environment is fundamental to attracting investments and talent. People perform their best when they feel secure in their surroundings—Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Iceland are the most advanced countries in this dimension.

And how is the remote work game going in various regions, according to the GRWI?

Working remotely in a specific region makes sense because a person might prefer a culture, climate, and thrill of adventure. Knowing what countries are best suited for remote work in those areas is valuable.

Europe

The Old Continent is a frontrunner of the 2023 GRWI, so visiting any country is as good as it gets. Since Europe is relatively compact with well-developed infrastructure, remote work is an exceptional opportunity to work and travel. Whether you’re planning a Eurotrip or exploring regions like the Nordic countries, Denmark and Sweden, the Baltics, or Southern Europe with Spain and Portugal, your experience will be unforgettable and work-friendly.

Africa

Across the Sahara, Morocco stands out as Africa’s beacon, with a global ranking of 48th. Despite facing digital and social challenges (ranked 72nd), Marocco excels in cyber safety, with legal measures holding 1st place and response capacity standing 5th. A pleasant climate, stunning landmarks, and a decent cost of living (16th) might encourage adventurous remote workers to explore African culture.

Asia

In Asia, South Korea stands out as the tech giant (global rank 17th), with digital and physical infrastructure ranking 2nd. Japan (global rank 22nd) is a travelers’ magnet, ranking 1st in tourist attractiveness. Singapore (global rank 28th) is the e-governance (1st) and physical infrastructure (1st) trailblazer, making it a hub for remote work.

Central America

The remote work star of Central America is Costa Rica (global ranking 54th). Its distinguished digital safety response capacity (17th), tourist attractiveness (11th), healthcare (19th), and inclusiveness (16th) rankings may impress quite a few travelers looking for exotic and unique remote work experiences.

South America

South America, as a region, ranks highly in tourist attractiveness, regardless of the specific location you would choose. However, Uruguay leads the South American charge with its welcoming environment (inclusiveness ranks 19th) and remarkable approach to personal rights (9th), complemented by a vibrant tourist scene.

North America

Canada and the US represent North America well in the GRWI. The United States is placed 16th globally and scores well in economic safety (2nd). Canada, with a global rank of 14th, follows closely, with economic safety taking 3rd place. When it comes to cyber safety, Canada and the US are closely ranked at 32nd and 33rd, respectively.

Can you break down the perks and the hiccups of remote work?

Speaking of hybrid work, the possibilities are boundless. Changing your location can be a catalyst for refreshing your perspective and injecting creativity into your approach to the familiar. It’s particularly valuable, especially if your role demands innovation.

However, I remain an ardent advocate for in-person connections with colleagues. These face-to-face interactions are the foundation of strong teamwork and the development of trust, which are integral components of our professional environment.

For those who are about to try a digital nomad life, how should they ensure their devices and data don’t end up in malicious hands while being out and about?

Working in a cybersecurity company opens your eyes to digital threats and inspires you to share practical cybersecurity tips with others. As a traveler who spends a lot of time working and browsing online, I’d like to highlight some mandatory steps everyone should take:

• Always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

• Ensure all your devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, have the latest software updates installed.

• Be cautious with public Wi-Fi and avoid accessing sensitive information such as online banking or entering passwords on public Wi-Fi networks.

• Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication for your email accounts, social media profiles, and other online services you use while traveling.

• Use strong and unique passwords. Create strong passwords for your online accounts and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms.

Once you are all set, choose the country from the GRWI list, and it’s time to start your hybrid work adventure.

Thank you.

Remote work has now become the new norm. And the desire to work from anywhere has never been stronger. The possibilities seem endless, from the azure beaches of Bali to the historic cities of Europe.

But beyond these stunning views, whether you’re a seasoned digital nomad or just considering a new adventure, one thing is clear: finding the right destination is the key to achieving a perfect work-life balance. Breathtaking scenery is not enough, though. We will look at other important factors that make a destination ideal for remote work.

In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through the Global Remote Work Index (GRWI) report, focusing on two essential dimensions: economic and social safety. These are some of the most important aspects of a fulfilling lifestyle and overall well-being. We’ll uncover the top countries regarding tourism attractiveness, English language proficiency, cost of living, healthcare, and social safety, including personal rights and inclusiveness. Let’s take a virtual tour worldwide to find top dream work locations.

Economic safety: a cornerstone for remote work

Choosing your remote work destination isn’t solely determined by a view from your desk. It’s about finding a balance between your professional needs and personal life. Economic safety covers different economic factors that come into play when living and working in a particular country. It refers to the cost of living, access to healthcare, ease of communication, and the quality of leisure opportunities. A strong score in economic safety means a healthy, economically stable, and expat-friendly environment with very few communicational barriers.

According to the Global Remote Work Index, the destinations leading in economic safety are predominantly English-speaking countries outside of the EU, such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Popular with tourists and known for their high-quality healthcare systems, these locations make a comfortable remote working environment.

On the other hand, European countries, such as Germany, Spain, Sweden, Portugal, and Malta, also rank high in economic safety, offering a blend of stability and cultural experiences. Other notable countries in terms of economic safety include Austria, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Finland. These diverse destinations showcase the many aspects to consider when choosing the perfect location for remote work.

Tourism attractiveness index: the world’s work-and-play paradise

Embracing a remote work lifestyle doesn’t just mean toiling away in isolation. It opens doors to balancing work and adventure across the world. The tourism attractiveness index is like your roadmap, guiding you on combining remote work with some globetrotting.

But first, let’s define what exactly the tourism attractiveness index is. This metric assesses how appealing a country is to travelers. While it may seem like it is all about vacations and sightseeing, it’s closely related to the possibility of remote work.

The destinations that rank high on this index draw tourists and offer an attractive environment for professionals who seek a work-life balance. With visitor-friendly visa policies and a focus on economic benefits, these countries have become magnets for both travelers and digital nomads. The connection between tourism appeal and remote work potential is now strikingly clear.

Among the top-ranking countries in the GRWI report for high tourism attractiveness are the USA, Japan, Spain, France, Germany, Singapore, Switzerland, the UK, and Australia. These locations offer not only stunning landscapes but also reliable digital infrastructures.

Countries like Denmark and the Netherlands ranked 1st and 2nd in the overall GWRI and respectively 6th and 4th in tourism attractiveness, may not be the first choice for some because of the high cost of living or weather. If, for example, the prospect of a gloomy winter doesn’t align with your work-travel aspirations, there are sunnier alternatives to consider. Spain, ranked 4th in the overall GWRI, and Portugal, ranked 6th, are obvious choices. Also, there is always Italy, Croatia, and even Singapore, which are equally compelling options.

The ease of communication: a map of English proficiency

Effective communication is an essential pillar for remote work. It serves as a bridge that connects remote team members and fosters collaboration and productivity. In this context, English language proficiency is particularly significant, and, as cliché as it may sound, it can be the lingua franca for any international company.

Let’s now examine the distribution of English language proficiency in the world’s highest-ranking countries. We can categorize them into three groups, each reflecting slightly varying levels of English command.

The first group comprises English-speaking countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malta, Jamaica, and Ireland. Unsurprisingly, they all have the highest proficiency levels, owing to their native status.

The second group, represented by the Netherlands, Singapore, Austria, Norway, Denmark, and Belgium, shows a moderately high level of English proficiency. Living in these countries without speaking their native language is far from challenging. English is widely spoken and understood, facilitating communication, a luxury not always available in non-English speaking regions, such as France.

Finally, in the third group, we find countries such as Sweden, Finland, and Portugal with a somewhat lower proficiency level. Though their English command may not match the first and second groups, these destinations still play a key role in the global remote work landscape.

This categorization emphasizes the importance of English proficiency in remote work and gives a glimpse into linguistic capabilities across these diverse nations. A strong grasp of English is valuable for individuals and companies seeking to expand their horizons and offer better job opportunities.

The cost of living index: comparing top and bottom countries

In a world where global mobility is at an all-time high, understanding the cost of living index is crucial. It can impact the choices digital nomads make. This metric quantifies the average expenses associated with maintaining a certain standard of living, such as housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and more. It helps compare the affordability of different countries.

When we look at the top three countries from the global GRWI, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany, we discover varying living costs. For example, Denmark (94) has a relatively high cost of living, but at the same time, it also offers excellent internet quality, e-infrastructure, healthcare, and work-life balance.

Similarly, the Netherlands (85), while relatively expensive, provides personal rights, an inclusive culture, and robust digital and physical infrastructure, making it an attractive choice for remote workers. Germany (79), though also slightly pricey, excels in cyber and economic safety, especially in healthcare. Thus, despite the higher living costs, it remains a good option for digital nomads.

If your primary concern is the cost of living, you’ll find Pakistan, Egypt, and India to be your top choices. These countries offer the lowest living costs according to the GRWI, making them budget-friendly options. However, if you want both affordable living and a good quality of life, Portugal, Poland, and Slovakia are excellent picks. These countries combine affordability with higher overall GRWI ratings, ensuring a better remote work experience.

Before you decide where to work remotely, it’s essential to thoroughly research the cost of living in your desired destination. Comprehending tax laws and implications in your chosen country is equally important, as lower living costs may sometimes correlate with higher taxes. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions about where to live and work, contributing to a more balanced and cost-effective lifestyle.

Healthcare havens for remote workers

A reliable healthcare system, encompassing vital elements like health insurance, medical readiness, and the quality of healthcare services, influences an individual’s well-being, especially if they have been living abroad for a long time.

For remote workers, health insurance serves as a safety net. It offers financial protection in the event of unexpected medical expenses. And it’s a crucial component of personal welfare, especially when working in a foreign country. On the other hand, medical preparedness means having access to emergency services and being aware of medical facilities and healthcare professionals.

When it comes to healthcare, not all countries are equal. Some excel in providing quality medical care and maintaining strong health systems. So, which countries have outstanding healthcare, according to the GWRI? The top performers include:

• Sweden, Norway, Denmark

• USA

• Iceland

• Belgium

• Germany

• UK

• Canada,

• New Zealand

They offer healthcare accessibility, quality, and coverage, making them favorable destinations for digital nomads.

Social safety around the globe: a fundament for well-being

Social safety covers physical safety, personal rights, and inclusiveness. Consequently, it’s a buzzword and a critical aspect of the remote work experience. A high social safety score indicates that a country excels in preventing crime, fostering social inclusiveness, and protecting individual rights.

Within this category, we find essential components such as safety from crimes, equity and human rights metrics assessments, and the degree to which a country protects individual rights.

Let’s now dive into the GWRI report findings regarding social safety.

Social safety dynamics

What places dominate the social safety ranking? Mainly, they are Nordic and European countries, such as Switzerland (1st), the Netherlands (2nd), Iceland (3rd), Norway (4th), and Finland (5th).

However, the distribution of the social safety rankings in the GRWI is really interesting. The only non-European countries with high scores on the social safety scale are Japan (10th), South Korea (12th), and New Zealand (14th).

As we just stated, the GRWI report reveals that countries ranking high on social safety tend to exhibit low crime rates, promote social inclusivity, and establish mechanisms for safeguarding human rights. This creates a nurturing environment for remote workers and ensures their physical and social welfare.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are countries like Cameroon (101st), Guatemala (100th), Mozambique (95th), Saudi Arabia (105th), Bangladesh  (107th), and Uganda (106th). Although they may be interesting tourist destinations, their performance in the inclusiveness sub-category is less than ideal.

Physical safety

Interestingly, when it comes to safety from crimes, the leaders are Gulf Bay countries, such as the United Arab Emirates (1st), followed closely by Qatar (2nd) and Oman (3rd). Switzerland (4th) and Armenia (5th) also make it to the Top 5, demonstrating their commitment to safeguarding visitors and travelers. Japan and Slovenia, known for their low crime rates, secure their spots in the 6th and 7th positions, respectively. The Top 10 is closed by Bahrain (9th) and Georgia (10th).

However, it’s worth mentioning that some Western countries, such as Sweden (64), Belgium (65), and France (74), have relatively low rankings in physical safety. While these countries may have a high standard of living, they face specific safety challenges that impact their rankings.

In contrast, according to the GRWI, Brazil, Jamaica, Trinidad, Tobago, Honduras, and South Africa are the least safe countries.

An overview: the best destinations with the best economic and social safety

Choosing the right remote work destination isn’t only about a stable Wi-Fi connection. It is also about finding a place that offers both economic and social safety and high quality of life. Let’s summarize the best countries that emerged as prime locations in this blog post.

• Canada: known for its beautiful landscapes and friendly communities, Canada combines economic safety with a high quality of life. It offers reasonable healthcare and strong English proficiency, making it an attractive option for remote workers.

• Australia: Australia boasts a high standard of living. Its diverse landscapes and outdoor activities make it an enticing destination. However, the cost of living can be relatively high, so financial planning is crucial.

• Germany: Germany stands out for its economic safety and cultural experiences in Europe. With a good balance of cost-effective living and strong healthcare, it’s an appealing choice for remote workers looking to explore Europe while maintaining financial stability.

• New Zealand: with breathtaking landscapes and a strong healthcare system, New Zealand is a good choice. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, its quality of life and tourist attractions compensate for it, making it a great location for remote work.

• Spain: Spain offers a blend of economic safety and a vibrant culture. It’s known for its sunny climate, delicious cuisine, and affordability. While English proficiency can vary outside major cities, it’s a top choice for those seeking a Mediterranean work-life balance.

• Portugal: combining economic safety and scenic beauty, Portugal has gained popularity among remote workers. It offers a lower cost of living compared to many Western European countries and ranks well in terms of healthcare accessibility.

• Sweden: with strong economic and social safety measures, Sweden offers a good environment for remote work. Its stable economy, efficient healthcare system, and commitment to individual rights create an attractive destination for remote professionals seeking a high quality of life and work-life balance.

• Denmark: the winner of the 2023 GRWI is ideal for remote workers. It has good English proficiency and ranks well in economic safety. The living cost is rather high, but it balances with economic stability, a great healthcare system, and a high quality of life. Denmark is also an inclusive country that protects the rights of individuals.

• The Netherlands: known for its high English proficiency, the Netherlands is a convenient destination for remote work. It offers economic safety and an efficient healthcare system. While the cost of living may be relatively high, the quality of life is impressive.

• Austria: Austria combines a stable economy and excellent healthcare, making it a reliable destination for remote workers. It may not be as cost-effective as some other options, but its economic safety contributes to a fulfilling lifestyle.

These countries demonstrate diverse options for remote workers, each offering a distinctive combination of economic and social safety and lifestyle. The choice ultimately depends on your individual preferences and priorities.

Conclusions: the interplay between safety and lifestyle

As the Global Remote Work Index report (GRWI) confirms, economic safety and social safety have an essential impact on a balanced remote work experience. Our guide covers top countries for remote work in terms of tourism attractiveness, English proficiency, the cost of living, healthcare, inclusiveness, and personal rights, helping you to make an informed decision. Start your journey to a better work-life balance with the insights from the GRWI report today.