Debugging Production Issues from a Moving Train Through the Alps
When prod went down somewhere between Zurich and Milan, I learned exactly what mobile hotspot failover means. Here's my setup for incident response on rails.
operations
Articles filed under operations
Managing Multiple Cloud Providers on the Road
Why I split workloads across AWS, Hetzner, and DigitalOcean—and how I manage deployments, billing, and failover from airport lounges and hostel desks.
Staying Connected in Extreme Remote Locations
My field-tested connectivity stack for mountain ranges, deserts, and places where cell towers are a two-day hike away—satcom, offline tools, and realistic expectations.
Handling Sudden Border Closures Without Panic
Protocol for monitoring restrictions, pivoting travel plans, and keeping documentation ready when borders slam shut on short notice.
Field Test: Portable Power Stations for Remote Work
Runtime benchmarks, charging workflows, and safety notes for the power stations I rely on during outages and travel.
Coordinating Multi-Time-Zone Incident Response
Playbooks for running incident response across time zones—handoffs, tooling, and communication rhythms that keep coverage continuous.
Off-Grid Communication Options When Networks Collapse
Tools and protocols I use when cellular and Wi-Fi go dark—satellite messengers, ham radio basics, and prearranged codes for critical updates.
Shipping Gear Across Borders Without Customs Pain
My logistics playbook for moving equipment internationally—carnets, manifests, insurance, and tracking so nothing disappears at customs.
Travel-Friendly Physical Security Gear That Actually Works
The compact hardware I pack to secure hotel rooms, co-living spaces, and temporary offices—door jammers, sensors, and tamper-proofing tested on the road.
Keeping Client NDAs and Contracts Safe While You Travel
Systems for secure contract signing, storage, and retrieval on the road—digital vaults, legal quick-reference, and incident response if documents leak.
Multi-Region Cloud Backups on a Nomad Budget
How I keep redundant cloud backups across regions without enterprise spend—storage tiers, dedupe, and restore drills that fit in a carry-on.
Anti-Surveillance Tradecraft for Travelers
Practical techniques I use to detect tails, reduce digital exhaust, and stay boring when operating in higher-risk environments abroad.
Building a Travel Medical Intelligence Binder
The medical intel pack I carry—vaccination proof, clinic shortlists, telehealth plans, and rehearsals so medical surprises don’t derail a deployment.
Remote Threat Hunting from Hostels Without Losing Evidence
How I run cloud-based threat hunts and handle evidence safely when traveling—lab setup, log collection, and bandwidth-conscious workflows.
Cross-Border Tax & Compliance Checklist for Nomads
The tracking stack I use so multiple tax jurisdictions, expense rules, and residency thresholds never catch me off guard.
Handling Cash-Only Clients Without Risk
Workflow for managing clients who insist on cash—contracts, receipts, AML awareness, and accounting practices that keep you compliant and safe.
Low-Bandwidth Collaboration Tactics That Still Deliver
My workflow for keeping projects moving when connectivity drops below 3 Mbps—tool choices, file sharding, and async patterns that survive bad internet.
Pop-Up SOC: Monitoring Incidents from Airports and Layovers
How I spin up a lightweight security operations center from airport lounges and gate areas when incidents hit mid-travel.
Protecting API Keys and Secrets While Working Away from HQ
How I manage API keys, tokens, and secrets on the road—temporary scopes, rotation workflows, and CI hardening so nothing leaks when I’m coding from a hostel.
Why Your Email Gets Flagged More When You Travel
Real-world tactics I use on the road to keep my email out of the spam folder when hotel Wi-Fi, VPN hops, and new devices freak providers out.
Field Laptop Imaging in 30 Minutes
The portable imaging workflow I carry so I can rebuild a laptop from bare metal to production-ready while working out of a hotel room.
How I Vet Local Fixers and Drivers Before Handing Them the Keys
Field-tested process for sourcing, screening, and managing local fixers or drivers—background checks, contracts, payment security, and exit plans.
Travel Drone Ops Without Breaking Local Laws
How I prep, fly, and store drone footage across countries—covering permits, airspace intel, flight logging, and data handling so you never lose your bird at customs.
Keeping Corporate Data Compliant Across Borders
A field guide for remote operators who carry regulated data across jurisdictions—data mapping, DLP controls, and legal guardrails that travel with you.
Emergency Evacuation Binder for Nomads
The grab-and-go binder I keep ready for sudden evacuations—contact trees, logistics, legal documents, and rehearsals that make leaving less chaotic.
Co-Living Security Inspection Checklist
The walkthrough I perform before committing to a co-living space—access control, roommate vetting, network hygiene, and emergency planning in under an hour.
Safe Ride-Hailing Playbook for New Cities
My protocol for vetting ride-hailing drivers, routes, and handoffs so late-night pickups in unfamiliar cities stay predictable instead of risky.
The Border Crossing Tech Checklist I Run Before Customs
My pre-flight ritual for hardening laptops and phones so border inspections don’t expose client data or lock me out of my own gear.
Surviving 12-Hour Layovers Without Losing Work Momentum
My airport routine for turning terminals into productive workspaces—gear, workflows, and tactics tested across three continents.
Securing Airbnb Smart Locks Before You Trust Them
How I audit smart locks the minute I arrive—checking logs, changing codes, and adding redundancies so a glitch doesn’t leave me sleeping in a hallway.
My Travel Incident Response Kit (Digital + Physical)
Everything I carry to handle device theft, data breaches, or sudden outages while traveling—and the drills I run so I can deploy it under stress.
How I Handle Cash, Currencies, and Hidden Fees in High-Risk Cities
Systems I use to manage cash safely in cities where ATMs, taxis, and street bureaux can all bite you if you’re careless.
Working Through Rolling Blackouts Without Missing Deadlines
Power contingency plans I use in cities with unstable grids—battery kits, scheduling tricks, and comms workflows that keep clients happy.