How Internet Service is Made Available on Cruise Ships

Though you might be on a cruise ship to relax and get away from the stresses of daily life, it may still not be possible for you to stay completely away from the internet. Whether it is your work e-mails, social media, or other means of entertainment, the internet keeps you engaged but also addicted to it. It also keeps you updated with current affairs and the latest happenings from around the world.

A few years ago, no one would have imagined the availability of internet on board, but maritime VSAT has made it very much possible by providing remote internet connectivity on ships. The availability of internet on ships has proved beneficial even for crew members. Their quality of life has improved due to increased means of communication.

Here’s a look at some of the ways internet services are made available on the cruise ships:

1. Satellite connections

The more reputed cruise ship owners prefer having satellite connections that can make maritime satellite communications easier and faster for passengers and crew members on the ship. It is an easy way to provide internet by adding hardware installations on the ship and connecting them to satellites. The hardware installations are a must to catch the signals and convert them to offer uninterrupted internet on ships. The cost of the hardware components for maritime satellite communications depends on the ship’s size, intended internet use, cost components, and the desired uploading / downloading speed.

2. Wireless devices

Providing internet on the ships is not as easy as it is on the land because the ship is surrounded by water on all sides and there are no towers or cables. Some people prefer to make use of their wireless devices to gain internet access on-board but it too may not to work well. The reason behind poor connectivity while using wireless devices is they can access the internet only when they are close to sea ports. They will not be able to enjoy high internet speed and faster browsing as internet service providers are unable to extend their services beyond a certain distance from land.

3. Dial Ups

Yet another way of offering the internet connectivity on cruise ships is through dial-up connections. However, dial-ups are not considered a reliable option as it depends on the signal reception of the phone used. Here, the phone acts as a modem to access the internet from satellite directly. However, the loss of signal hinders its efficiency and may keep the crew uninformed about unforeseen challenges and disastrous weather conditions.

Explore the web for more information on features and benefits of the maritime VSAT and how it ensures hassle-free browsing while on ships.

Six Steps to Follow to Maximise Maritime Cyber Security

As satellite internet services has become more and more prevalent, the shipping industry has made a concerted effort to embrace it and bring it aboard their vessels. Internet has already become an inseparable part of our daily lives.

Whether it is being in touch with family and friends, having an access to a means of entertainment, or looking up information online, everything relies on the use of a fast and reliable internet connection nowadays. Thus, for the welfare of crew members, the well being of guests, and growth of the maritime business, shipping companies are increasingly bringing satellite internet services to their fleets.

However, with the uptick in cyber security attacks, the shipping industry needs to also take maritime cyber security seriously and implement precautionary and preventive measures. Training and awareness of company policies help to provide one of the most cost-efficient and effective solutions.

Here’s a look at some of the guidelines to be followed by the shipping companies using fleet broadband services:

1.  Network security

It is essential that the networks used by ships do not expose their systems to cyber-attack. The shipboard computer networks lack the boundary protection measures and are amongst the networks with the most common cyber vulnerabilities. Appropriate policy implementation and technical response can help in preventing harm to your organization from these attacks.

2. Malware prevention

Malware is malicious programming that has been designed for accessing, controlling and damaging the system. Organizations need to implement the appropriate anti-malware policy to defend their networks on-board and offshore.

3. Secure configuration

Configuration management helps in improving the security of systems and eliminates the risk of information being compromised. Organizations should come up with strategies for removing unnecessary functions from the system and fix any vulnerabilities.

4. Managing user privilege

All the network users should be given only the minimum level of system privileges and rights to do their jobs. Granting elevated system privileges should be controlled and managed.

5. Spreading awareness

The staff members both onshore and offshore play a critical role in managing maritime cyber security. The organization needs to conduct awareness programs and training to help establish a security-conscious culture.

6. Adherence to cyber security policies

Shipping companies need to monitor whether the cyber security policies are being implemented by the crew both onshore and offshore. The cyber risk can’t be avoided just by training the crew about the preventive measures, you need to ensure the measures and policies are being followed.

Explore the web for more information on tips to implement cyber security measures for fleet broadband services. You can also browse various antivirus and antimalware products websites to lookout for tips that can help in preventing cyberattacks. Additionally, connect with your IT team to create robust and strict IT management policies that can help you to keep secure from malware programs and computer viruses.