12 Digital Security Tips for Crisis Situations

Tip 1: Create Offline Backups of Critical Documents

The cloud is convenient but vulnerable. If internet access fails, you can't access cloud-stored documents. If the company providing your cloud service experiences issues, you lose access regardless.

What to backup offline:

ID documents (scan to PDF)
Insurance policies
Medical records and medication lists
Emergency contact list
Bank account numbers and financial institution contacts
Home inventory for insurance purposes

Store these on an encrypted USB drive. Keep one at home, one with a trusted person in another location.

Tip 2: Use a Password Manager — And Print Your Master Key

Password managers are best practice for digital security. But during a crisis, if your devices are unavailable, your passwords go with them.

The offline solution:

Use a reputable password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password, KeePass)
Print your most critical passwords (banking, email, key services)
Store that printed list in a fireproof safe or secure location

Update the printed list whenever critical passwords change.

Tip 3: Enable Two-Factor Authentication — With Backup Codes

Two-factor authentication (2FA) protects your accounts. But if your phone is damaged or lost in a crisis, 2FA can lock you out of your own accounts.

Preparation:

Generate backup codes for all 2FA-protected accounts (usually in security settings)
Print these codes and store with your offline document backup
These backup codes let you access accounts even without your phone

Tip 4: Keep Cash — Card Payments Fail Without Power

Payment terminals require electricity and network connectivity. During power outages, only cash works. ATMs may also be offline.

Recommended: €200-300 in cash, in small bills (€10 and €20), kept accessible at home. Rotate this stock annually.

Tip 5: Know Your Bank's Phone Banking Option

If you can't access online banking and the app doesn't work, can you still move money by phone?

Look up your bank's phone banking number before a crisis. Test it once. Know the authentication process. This is your financial emergency backup.

Tip 6: Charge Devices Proactively

Don't let devices run below 50% if you're in a region experiencing power issues. Charge opportunistically — when power is available, charge everything.

Power bank preparation:

10,000+ mAh power bank for each smartphone
Keep power banks charged (check monthly)
For extended outages, a solar charger extends independence

Tip 7: Download Offline Maps for Your Region

Google Maps and similar services require mobile data or downloaded maps. In crisis situations, network capacity is often overwhelmed or infrastructure is damaged.

Before any elevated risk period:

Download offline maps for your region in Google Maps (settings → offline maps)
Download alternative navigation app with offline capability (Maps.me is free and excellent)
Have a paper road map as final backup

Tip 8: Set Up a Communication Alternative

If your regular phone service is disrupted, what's your backup?

Options:

Signal app: Works over WiFi even if mobile network is down
WhatsApp: Same — WiFi fallback
Landline: If you still have one, it often works when mobile networks fail
SMS: Often goes through when voice calls fail (smaller data packet)
Out-of-region contact: Designate one person outside your affected area who everyone checks in with

Tip 9: Be Skeptical of Crisis-Time Information

During major crises, disinformation spreads rapidly. Rumors, false information, and deliberate manipulation flood social media.

Your information hierarchy:

Official emergency alerts (NINA app, local emergency management)
Public broadcaster emergency reports (ARD, ZDF)
Local radio
Direct communication with people you trust who are present

Do not make evacuation or safety decisions based on social media posts alone.

Tip 10: Protect Your Physical Security Too

Data security isn't only digital. Paper documents, cash, and devices need physical protection.

In an extended crisis:

Know where your important documents are and how to grab them quickly
Don't leave devices and cash visible during a crisis scenario
Consider a small fireproof safe for the most critical documents

Tip 11: Prepare for the Return to Normal

Extended crises often involve resumed access to systems that may have changed during the outage.

Pre-crisis preparation:

Know your bank's process for disputing unauthorized transactions (crises are prime time for fraud)
Maintain a list of subscriptions and automatic payments that may have issues
Have a way to verify identity with major service providers if normal authentication fails