Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025: Closing the Online Safety Gaps

Is Belize Safe? Cybersecurity Meets Travel in 2025

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PureVPNDigital FreedomIs Belize Safe? Cybersecurity Meets Travel in 2025

Once celebrated mostly for its Caribbean beaches and coral reefs, Belize is now part of a broader conversation about digital security and data protection. From ransomware attacks on public institutions to data-leak concerns, cybersecurity has become a major piece of the overall safety puzzle. So, is Belize safe for you?

We will discuss why Belize is considered unsafe and what you could do to stay protected wherever you are.

Is Belize Safe from Cyber Threats?

Belize is not completely safe from cyber threats. The country has experienced ransomware attacks and data breaches in recent years. While incidents mainly target organizations, residents and businesses should remain vigilant, using strong passwords, secure networks, and updated software to protect sensitive data.

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) — The 2023 Ransomware Attack

In 2023, BEL, one of the country’s critical infrastructure firms, was targeted by the Russian ransomware group Ragnar Locker. Hackers infiltrated BEL’s IT network, exfiltrated nearly 355 GB of sensitive data and later leaked it online. The stolen files included customer application forms, identity documents and internal employee data, though credit card or banking details weren’t exposed. This incident sparked national discussion: Is Belize safe, when it comes to protecting infrastructure.

Fast-forward to 2025: the Belize High Court Registry suffered a ransomware attack. Essential court data was encrypted, judicial operations halted for weeks, and sensitive personal data was temporarily inaccessible. That breach amplified concerns around data privacy, legal integrity and national cybersecurity resilience, again raising the question, is Belize safe from a digital-governance point of view.

Other Cybersecurity Challenges: Government Response & Evolving Risks

When thinking if Belize is safe, from a cyber-perspective, it’s important to appreciate both the progress and the gaps.

Cyber Units and Law Enforcement

The country’s Police Information Technology and Cyber Unit (PITCU) is leading investigations into phishing, credit-card fraud and ransomware. Belize is increasing public-private collaboration. But the pace of global cybercrime remains rapid and evolving.

Infrastructure & Skills Gap

Many government agencies and utility providers still rely on outdated IT systems. The limited number of cybersecurity professionals in Belize means attacks can go undetected or unresolved for extended periods. For organisations handling sensitive digital information, this raises a valid hesitation of is Belize safe, from the modern, sophisticated cyberthreats.

Is Belize Safe as a Digital Nation?

Belize is often described as a developing but improving cybersecurity ecosystem. The government’s national strategy emphasises resilience, awareness and capacity-building. 

But real-world incidents like those at BEL and the High Court show that much work remains.

International organisations have praised Belize’s willingness to address vulnerabilities and regional partnerships (e.g., Caribbean network operators) are helping strengthen response mechanisms. However, experts caution that critical-infrastructure protection is still lagging and data-protection laws may not yet match global standards.

So, is Belize safe for all travellers?

  • For daily travellers or residents: yes, manageable with standard precautions.
  • For organisations handling sensitive digital information: the evolving cybersecurity posture merits careful attention and proactive defence.

Is Belize Safe for Businesses and Digital Nomads?

In the age of remote work, Belize attracts digital nomads and tech entrepreneurs. Affordable cost of living, tropical lifestyle and proximity to the U.S. are often cited advantages.

Connectivity Factor

Belize offers generally stable internet coverage, but sometimes inconsistent. For online professionals, it’s not just about speed, it’s about secure access. Public Wi-Fi in cafés, coworking spaces or hotels may lack encryption, exposing users to data interception or phishing.

Reddit user experience:
“For those filling out the online immigration form when entering Belize … be sure you are using the correct Government of Belize website. If they are asking for you to pay, it’s a scam.”

Data & Identity Protection

Given past leaks, remote workers and tourists alike should limit sharing of sensitive identity or financial information. Use password managers, multi-factor authentication, encrypted cloud storage and PureVPN, when on public networks to encrypt traffic and disguise your IP.

So, if you’re a remote worker thinking is Belize safe, then yes, with the right precautions and tools in place.

How a VPN Can Help You Stay Safe While Traveling to Belize (or Any Country)

If you’re worried about is Belize being safe digitally, one of the smartest moves you can make is using a VPN. Whether you’re connecting to airport Wi-Fi, booking hotels online, or managing payments abroad, your data can be exposed to cyber risks. PureVPN keeps your online activity secure, private, and unrestricted wherever you go.

Here’s how PureVPN helps you stay safe:

  • Prevents hackers from intercepting your data on public Wi-Fi.
  • Keep your real location private from trackers and websites.
  • Access streaming services, social apps, and websites anywhere in the world.
  • Enjoy faster, smoother connections while working or streaming abroad.
  • Stops data snoopers from harvesting your identity or login credentials.
  • Tracks and monitors your data on the dark web.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Belize safe when using public Wi-Fi or working remotely?

No, you must stay cautious. Use a VPN, avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi without encryption, enable multi-factor auth, and keep your device software updated. The cyber-threats in Belize do exist.

Is Belize safe from cyber-attacks?

Not fully yet. Belize has had notable ransomware incidents (BEL 2023, High Court 2025) and still has gaps in infrastructure and workforce. The government is making progress, but organisations handling sensitive data should remain vigilant.

Is Belize safe for digital nomads and expats?

Yes, many digital nomads enjoy Belize’s lifestyle and affordability. But safe in this context means taking active steps, using a VPN, securing your accounts, avoiding risky networks, knowing local regulations (immigration, residency), and having a backup plan.

How can I keep my data secure while in Belize?

As Belize has been a part of cyber threats, you must stay alert, use a VPN (for encrypted internet traffic), avoid auto-connecting to public Wi-Fi, use password managers & multi-factor authentication, limit sharing of personal/financial data, keep software/firmware updated and stay alert for local cyber-scams

So,Is Belize Safe?

Yes, Belize is a safe destination for travellers and digital professionals with precautions. But if you mean completely safe in every respect, then the answer is,  it’s improving, but is not flawless. Your digital identity could be at risk and you must be prudent always.

author

Arsalan Rashid

date

November 4, 2025

time

5 hours ago

A marketing geek turning clicks into customers and data into decisions, chasing ROI like it’s a sport.

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