While it may be tempting to take a “go with the flow” mentality for the rest of your vacation, your technology shouldn’t be at risk during your trip. Just as we advise against using public hotspots, Public Wi-Fi It’s not always worth the risk on the plane or at your destination.
Not all cruise lines are the same when it comes to Wi-Fi security at sea. Check your ship’s internet security before connecting and understand what level of safety is provided when using internet access.
Mistakes to avoid if you need to use public Wi-Fi
Cruise ship moored at the port. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
It is hard to believe that during long stays at sea, between ports and disembarkation at various destinations, hackers steal personal information from vulnerable devices or implant malicious viruses on them. It’s as easy as not. And its effects are much more difficult to deal with at sea.
It’s incredibly easy for hackers to steal personal information from vulnerable devices when you’re at sea. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
meanwhile VPN It’s a popular choice for safe browsing on cruise ships, but its reliability varies. Some major cruise lines, such as Carnival, do not allow the use of VPNs on their networks. Although some companies, such as Royal Caribbean, may not have publicly stated their position, satellite internet can lead to unstable connections. Smart travelers can:
- Check your cruise line’s Wi-Fi policy to see if a VPN is allowed.
- Please consider alternatives depending on your needs. For example, pre-downloading geo-restricted content may be an option.
- Satellite internet on cruise ships has limitations, so be prepared for your internet to be slow or unavailable, with or without a VPN.
VPNs are a popular choice for secure browsing on cruise ships, but their reliability varies. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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How to protect your device during your next cruise
Let’s take a look at some ways to keep your device safe when sailing on the high seas. Here are eight tips.
1) Install antivirus software on your device before leaving home
While you can’t control the vulnerabilities of secure or unsecured networks while on a cruise, you can certainly control what types of viruses and malware get onto your device. Your best bet is to ensure that the antivirus software on your device is fully up-to-date over a secure private network before you go on vacation.
Good antivirus software protects you from clicking malicious links that install malware that can access your personal information. It can also warn you about phishing emails and ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection products of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
2) Update your device’s operating software before leaving home.
Before you go on vacation, make sure your device’s operating software is fully up to date over a secure private network.Operating system updates typically include patches for known vulnerabilities and cyberattacks
3) Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use
When you’re at home or in the office, you might keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on for convenience. However, on cruise ships with public Wi-Fi and in unfamiliar ports, it’s important to strengthen your digital security. Here’s why: First, public Wi-Fi networks, especially free Wi-Fi networks, may not be secure. Disabling Wi-Fi minimizes the chance that your device will automatically connect to unsafe networks. Second, nearby devices can abuse Bluetooth and steal your information. If you don’t need it, turn it off for added security.
Remember: Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi only when you need to actively use the Internet or connect to a specific device. This helps protect your data and keep your online activities safer while you enjoy your cruise.
Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi only if you need to actively use the Internet or connect certain devices. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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4) Wait until it reaches the port to use the data from your mobile carrier.
It may seem like a hassle to wait between ports to connect to the internet, but it may be a safer and cheaper method. Cell phone companies charge high rates for roaming, and cruise packages don’t come cheap.
For example, AT&T offers basic cruise packages starting at $60 for 100 minutes of talk, text, and data. However, if you wait until you arrive at the port, AT&T customers with unlimited plans can take advantage of the AT&T International Day Pass® for $10 per day, and the data will be drawn from your domestic data allowance. Check with your mobile carrier to see if they have a data plan that fits your plan and itinerary. Click here to check out the best SIM cards and eSIM cards for travelers.
It may seem like a hassle to wait between ports to connect to the internet, but it may be a safer and cheaper method. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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5) Be careful about the websites you visit
If you need to stay connected on the plane, avoid sensitive sites like financial institutions and important email accounts. If possible, access all your funds and travel information before you depart on your trip so that you have the latest information on secure connections when you disembark (at the port).
6) Please bring a mobile battery or USB blocker.
Charging your phone may seem like the least risky part of your cruise, but it may actually be the most risky. Yes, hackers and scammers have made even access to free charging stations a security minefield. As well as her free Wi-Fi hotspot, hackers can access her free USB charging stations onboard or in port.
It’s tempting to charge your phone’s battery for the perfect photo, but someone might be siphoning data from your phone while it’s charging. You must always bring your own charging cable and charging block to connect directly to a wall outlet. If you want to charge while on the go, you can carry a rechargeable power bank anywhere on the ship or in port.
If you want to carry less but still need to charge your phone at a free charging station, bring a USB data blocker to prevent data from being collected from your phone while charging.
It’s tempting to charge your phone’s battery for the perfect photo, but someone might be siphoning your data while it’s charging. (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
7) Pony up for an in-flight internet package
Social media access packages start at about $15 per day, so they’re not cheap. Hoarding a Wi-Fi package with slower internet than your home isn’t ideal, but so are astronomical data roaming charges and identity theft from using an unsecured connection. A closed network requiring his two-factor authentication, such as a login and password, and possibly an onboard internet package, increases user safety.
8) Why a VPN is recommended even when cruise ship speeds are slow
We highly recommend using a VPN if your cruise ship allows it, even if it slows down your connection onboard. Additionally, except in certain countries where VPNs are illegal, it’s still valuable to be able to use a VPN alongside the connection point you use when you arrive at port.
A VPN protects you from tracking and identifies your potential location on the websites you visit. Many sites can read your IP address and, depending on your privacy settings, may show you the city you are communicating from. A VPN spoofs your IP address and displays a different location. This helps you avoid regional restrictions for streaming content.
For example, if you’re traveling to a country where the streaming service you normally use is blocked, you can use a VPN to set your destination to a country where the service is available. This allows you to access streaming content as if you were in the country. Check out my expert reviews of the best VPNs to browse the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
Cart important points
We’re used to being connected to our devices 24/7, but boarding a cruise may be the ultimate invitation to disconnect. Keeping your devices safe on a cruise ship can be expensive, but the cost of not keeping them safe can be even higher. If you can’t limit your online time onboard, make sure you’re prepared to take steps to keep yourself and your devices safe before and during your cruise.
If you need to contact your employer, it may be helpful to discuss cruise ship restrictions, especially if your workplace has IT support personnel.
Do you think cruise lines need to tighten up their security given the potential security risks of Wi-Fi? Email us. Cyberguy.com/Contact
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