Before the contract
- Where possible, switch sign-in from SMS to an authenticator app: it works without a signal.
- Save backup recovery codes (email, social media) on paper in a safe place.
- Check that your banking app works over the internet without SMS; tell the bank you’ll be abroad.
- Update your phone number and backup email in your accounts.
- Turn on the phone screen lock: an unlocked phone is open access to your bank.
If you still can’t sign in
Contact your bank’s support in the app or website if you can sign in there. For email use backup codes. If you trust them, ask family to help through a bank branch (with a power of attorney if required).
What not to do
- Never send SMS codes to anyone — not even a “bank employee”.
- Don’t keep passwords in plain phone notes.
- Don’t sign in to your bank on shared ship computers.
How I can help
Before your contract I check all your sign-ins: bank, email, WhatsApp, social media. I set up an authenticator and backup codes and explain in plain words what to do at sea.
FAQ
Questions and answers
What is an authenticator app?
A phone app that shows a new code every 30 seconds. It works without a signal or internet.
What if I lose my phone?
That’s what backup codes are for: they restore access on a new phone.
Is it safe?
Yes, safer than SMS: the code can’t be stolen through SIM swapping.
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