Free Wi-Fi in Cozumel
You heard correct! The resort has free Wi-Fi throughout the property, including in your room. You can connect to the Wi-Fi using the password provided at check-in. The Wi-Fi is generally reliable, and I've had no issues streaming videos or browsing the internet during my stay.
Network Security
Mexico is known to have the most active cybersecurity threats in all of Latin America. The government there does engage in technically sophisticated cyberwarfare to combat these attacks. Despite these measures, like in the U.S., bad actors do get through in their attempts to glean useful private information. For this reason, you should consider taking those same precautions you use at home, on the road with you while traveling.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address. This makes it much harder for hackers or malicious actors to intercept your data or track your online activities. This is crucial when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are common in hotels, cafés, and airports. If you need to conduct financial transactions or access sensitive information while traveling, a VPN provides an extra layer of security, reducing the risk of data theft. Even at home in the U.S., using a VPN is a good idea, masking your traffic from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and protecting your privacy.
Before getting a VPN subscription, check to see if your employer provides one, or if your friends or family subscribe to one. They are usually good for multiple devices, and your friends and family may be willing to share their subscription while you are traveling.
Travel Router
This one certainly isn't necessary per se, but the techie people in the house say it can be a great addition to your travel electronics. It's especially useful if you travel and hotel more than once a year, or if you and your fam travel with a lot of devices.
Travel Routesrs are small, portable devices that create a secure Wi-Fi network wherever you go. They can be particularly useful if you're staying in a hotel or Airbnb that offers only a single Wi-Fi connection. By connecting your devices to the travel router, you can create a private network that is more secure than using the hotel's Wi-Fi directly. This is especially important if you plan to access sensitive information, such as banking or personal accounts, as it adds an extra layer of protection against potential threats. Also, if you're using a mobile hotspot or a limited data plan, a travel router can help you manage your data usage more effectively. You can connect your devices to the router and monitor their data consumption.