Staying connected while on vacation has never been easier. Even when sailing the ocean waves on a cruise, technology allows us to stay up-to-date with our friends and family, sharing our adventures and staying in touch with loved ones on social media, by email, over messaging and chat applications, and by video.

Strong, stable wi-fi connection in all-inclusive cruises is now standard. However, in the same way as at home, security and safety online is important. It is all too easy to forget the important things you take for granted with your home internet connection when you are on vacation but protecting yourself is just as vital.

So if you are packing your bags for a cruise adventure this year and want to be able to surf the internet without worrying, here are a few tips on how to stay secure while at sea.

Use a VPN

A VPN is absolutely essential for anyone wanting to stay safe online while on the road (and even back home!). A Virtual Private Network encrypts your connection wherever you are, making it harder for bad actors to locate you and intercept your data. As public wi-fi and onboard networks may not be fully secure, a VPN is a vital tool in your digital security kit.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions

It might seem counter-intuitive, but a cellular data connection is often a better option for carrying out sensitive activities than a public wi-fi network. Onboard wi-fi isn’t always as secure as you would want (or at all) and can be targeted and accessed relatively simply by hackers. As a result, if you are going to access sensitive information or make bank transfers or other financial transactions it is worth using cellular data or a VPN-protected network.

Keep Your Devices Updated

Update, update, update. That is the IT manager’s mantra. All too often our devices, whether laptops or smartphones, are operating with out-of-date software, making them easy targets for malicious actors online. Before you head off on your cruise, make sure your devices are fully updated, with the latest security patches and newest software versions. These updates fix vulnerabilities and ensure your devices have the latest antivirus protection to give you the ability to deal with cyber threats before they happen.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

It is also worth doing an audit of your security credentials and making sure that you are using strong, unique passwords for your important accounts and not just reusing the same details over and over. Try to avoid obvious, easily guessable passwords that use personal information, and consider getting a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to help store your passwords securely.

Secure Your Devices with Locks and Encryption

Finally, before setting off on your vacation, make sure all your devices are protected securely with lock-screen passwords, biometric security features, and 2-factor authentication. Lock screens and biometrics like fingerprints or facial recognition prevent people from physically accessing your phone if it is lost or stolen, while other encryption makes it harder to do anything even if someone is able to get past the first barrier.

Taking proactive steps to beef up your digital security makes it far easier to stay connected and online while cruising and keep your peace of mind intact. Being mindful of online threats and maintaining your safe online behaviors while on vacation goes a long way towards staying safe, and there are plenty of simple yet effective steps you can take to make everything you do online while on a cruise that little bit more secure.