Every modern cruise is not just a vacation, but also an immersion in a digital environment. Passengers connect their smartphones to Wi-Fi, pay for purchases through apps, and use electronic keys. As digitalization grows, so do the risks: cyber threats are becoming as real as storms at sea.
If you take your phone or tablet on a cruise, you are already becoming a participant in this new digital game, where your data is what’s at stake.
Why cybersecurity on board a cruise ship is becoming as important as a life jacket
Today, digital technologies permeate every stage of the journey. Guests book cabins online, use electronic boarding passes, and pay for services contactlessly. On board, the liner turns into a mini-city, with its own Wi-Fi network, video surveillance systems, and mobile apps for entertainment and shopping. Your personal smartphone becomes the key to everything, and with that, a target for cybercriminals. Imagine modern pirates: they no longer hunt for chests of gold, their loot is your passwords and banking data.
What cyber threats await on board and why are they dangerous?
On board, you may face Wi-Fi attacks, phishing emails, malicious apps, and data theft via Bluetooth or NFC. Phishing is when attackers fake emails or websites to trick you into giving them your passwords. Malware is software that steals data or gives a hacker access to your device. Bluetooth and NFC are wireless technologies that can become entry points for information theft if not turned off. Think about it: do you know who else is connected to the same ship Wi-Fi as you?
Get acquainted with real stories of cyberattacks and their lessons
In recent years, cruise companies have repeatedly fallen victim to high-profile cyberattacks. In 2019–2021, Carnival experienced several incidents, including ransomware attacks and leaks of passengers’ passport and banking data. Norwegian faced a leak of information about tens of thousands of users, and MSC and Hurtigruten had their networks infected with malware, leading to disruptions of websites and services. Similar stories have occurred in airlines and major hotels: mass hacks led to leaks of clients’ personal data and large fines for companies.
How cruise companies protect your data and why this is sometimes not enough
Major cruise operators create cybersecurity centers, implement multi-factor authentication, and cooperate with data protection experts. SOC is a center where specialists monitor cyber threats and respond to incidents around the clock. Multi-factor authentication is a login method that requires not only a password but also an additional code, for example, from an SMS. Artificial intelligence analyzes user behavior and detects suspicious actions. However, even the most advanced systems do not provide a full guarantee: the human factor, insufficient staff training, and outdated equipment remain the Achilles’ heel of digital protection.
Simple steps and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals
Protecting data on board starts with your own actions. Here are the key measures:
1. Use a VPN to encrypt your data. A VPN is a service that creates a secure channel for transmitting information, making interception nearly impossible. Once, a tourist connected to free Wi-Fi without a VPN and lost access to their bank accounts.
2. Prefer mobile internet over Wi-Fi. A SIM card provides additional protection thanks to a complex identification system and encryption. Even if Wi-Fi seems more convenient, the mobile network is safer for banking operations.
3. Update your devices before the trip. Fresh software versions close vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. Delayed updates led to one passenger’s phone being infected with malware right on board.
4. Download apps only at home. Attackers post fake apps and QR codes that steal your data. Before your trip, download everything you need from official stores or based on expert advice from industry websites. This also applies to numerous entertainment options, especially games. The most commonly faked are various arcade games due to their technical simplicity. As the authors of the Plinko game review site, which we find here during the preparation of this article, told us, players should be careful. You should only download original software, especially if its use involves making transactions.
5. Turn off Bluetooth and NFC when you are not using them. Malicious programs can get in through these channels or gain access to your files. One case: a passenger activated NFC and fell victim to a fraudulent payment device.
6. Use credit cards instead of debit cards. If a credit card is compromised, money is not withdrawn immediately, and disputed transactions can be challenged. In the case of a debit card, funds are withdrawn instantly, and a refund may take weeks.
7. Avoid private ATMs. Use only devices in branches of major banks to reduce the risk of skimmers—devices for stealing data—being installed. One tourist withdrew money from a private ATM and lost all the savings on their card.
8. Turn off your devices from time to time. This helps break possible malicious connections and reduces the risk of unnoticed attacks. A few hours offline can save your data from theft.
Why perfect protection does not exist and how to stay aware
No system guarantees absolute security in the digital world. Even the most protected companies become victims of attacks. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility of companies and passengers. Are you ready to take control of your digital security and give cybercriminals not a single chance?
Key steps for a safe journey
Always use a VPN, update your devices, download apps only from trusted sources, and turn off wireless interfaces when they are not needed. Let your vacation be not only fun but also secure—because peace of mind and safety are worth more than any souvenirs!
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