We are all working in an increasingly mobile world, and this flexibility sees more and more people settling in for the day in public spaces. It is not unusual to see open laptops in coffee shops, trains, airport lounges, or even public parks.

Remote and flexible working arrangements have encouraged their workforce to treat almost any location as an extension of the office. While this can boost productivity and convenience, it also introduces significant risks, particularly for organisations that handle sensitive or regulated information.

For employers and employees/contractors alike, the dangers of public-facing work environments should not be underestimated. From data protection breaches to accidental exposure of confidential documents, a moment of carelessness can have serious legal, financial, and reputational consequences. Understanding these risks and knowing how to mitigate them is essential for responsible, safe working in any public space.

The Threat of Visual Eavesdropping

One of the most overlooked dangers is simply the visibility of screens. Public spaces are full of people, and not all of them are merely minding their own business. Shoulder surfing, the act of observing someone’s device or documents without their knowledge, is surprisingly easy and requires no technical skills.

A laptop screen displaying client details, internal financial information, or confidential correspondence can be read by anyone nearby. Even brief exposure may reveal enough information to cause a data breach, especially in industries such as legal services, finance, or healthcare.

High-resolution displays, large screens, and working without protective measures significantly increase this risk. On public transport, for example, passengers seated behind or beside an employee/contractor may have a clear view of the screen. Similarly, shared co-working hubs often have open seating, making accidental exposure even more likely .

Large screens are not just limited to laptops and tablets. Mobile phone screens are getting ever larger and the introduction of devices that unfold pose a particular risk.

The Danger of Being Overheard

Confidentiality risks do not end with screens. Verbal conversations, whether face-to-face or conducted via phone or video meetings, can also be easily overheard in public places.

Whilst you may think your conversation will make no sense or be of no interest to a stranger, you never know who is close by. Scammers are everywhere and can use a variety of data.

Discussing sensitive matters on a train, in a café queue, or at an airport gate can disclose personal data, strategic information, or legally privileged details. Even seemingly harmless remarks can be pieced together to form a larger, more sensitive picture. In addition, individuals around you may record conversations intentionally or unintentionally. Devices such as smart watches, phones, and laptops all have built-in microphones that make discreet recording effortless.

We often underestimate how far our voice carries, especially in busy or noisy areas. But background noise does not guarantee privacy; in fact, people tend to raise their voices when they feel they are competing with the environment, which only increases the chance of being overheard.

Remember, friends could also be working for a competing client company, be careful about disclosing confidential information to friends and family.

Confidentiality and Data Protection Responsibilities

For organisations subject to strict confidentiality obligations, such as law firms, financial institutions, or any company that processes personal data or who work with client confidential information the risks of public working can extend beyond mere embarrassment.

Under data protection laws such as the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, employers have a legal obligation to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard personal data. Failure to do so can result in:

  • Regulatory fines
  • Mandatory breach notifications
  • Loss of client trust
  • Reputational damage

A single accidental disclosure, such as a member of the public seeing an email containing personal data or overhearing a confidential discussion, may be considered a data breach. In regulated industries, breaches can trigger investigations and potentially serious professional consequences.

We must all also remember the principle of confidentiality, which goes beyond regulatory compliance. Clients and colleagues rely on professionals to protect sensitive information at all times. Public working environments place this trust at risk unless carefully managed.

Other Risks: Theft, Unsecured Networks, and Device Vulnerabilities

Working in public also creates additional risks related to physical and cyber security.

1. Device Theft or Loss

Busy public places are prime locations for opportunistic theft. Laptops, tablets, and phones left unattended, even briefly, can be stolen, exposing any data stored or cached on the device.

2. Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks

Public Wi-Fi networks are notoriously insecure. Attackers can intercept data, mimic legitimate networks, or monitor unencrypted communications. Connecting company devices to such networks without appropriate protection is a significant vulnerability.

3. Shoulder-surfing for Passwords

Entering passwords or unlocking a device in view of others can expose login credentials.

4. Accidental Display of Notifications

On-screen notifications can reveal email subject lines, names, case numbers, or internal messages even when the main screen contains nothing sensitive.

Practical Tips to Stay Secure When Working in Public

While the risks are real, we can all can take simple, effective steps to reduce exposure and maintain confidentiality.

1. Use a Privacy Screen Filter

Privacy screens narrow the viewing angle of a laptop or tablet, preventing people nearby from seeing the display. They are inexpensive and provide a strong first line of defence against visual eavesdropping.

2. Position Yourself Strategically

Sit with your back to a wall and avoid seats where others can easily look over your shoulder. On public transport, choose window seats or areas with limited visibility.

3. Avoid Discussing Sensitive Information in Public

Reschedule calls where possible or use headphones designed to reduce sound leakage. If a private conversation is unavoidable, speak quietly and avoid identifying specific clients, cases, or personal data.

4. Use a Secure Internet Connection

Avoid public Wi-Fi. Instead:

  • Use a mobile hotspot
  • Use a corporate VPN or a reputable, paid-for VPN service
  • Ensure automatic Wi-Fi connections are disabled

5. Lock Your Screen Immediately When Not in Use

Even momentary distractions can expose information.

6. Disable On-Screen Notifications

This prevents accidental disclosure of messages or email content.

7. Keep Devices Secure

Ensure laptops and phones are encrypted, password-protected, and kept within sight at all times. Use cable locks if working in a fixed public location like a library or co-working space.

8. Follow Your Organisation’s Policies

Review your company’s remote working, privacy, and information security guidelines. These policies exist to protect both employees and clients.

Final words – Working in Public

Working in public may feel convenient, but it carries significant risks for organisations and individuals. Confidentiality can be compromised in seconds, whether through a visible laptop screen, an overheard conversation, or an insecure network connection.

By understanding the dangers and adopting appropriate security measures, employees can protect sensitive information, uphold legal and ethical obligations, and work safely wherever their day takes them.

Our advice is to have strong policies and procedures in place, which guide your employees on their behaviour and your expectations. Regular training should be implemented for reinforcement and to highlight the risks.