In today’s digital world, it’s astounding how much information we share online, willingly or unwittingly. People transfer sensitive personal information, banking passwords, work-related documents, credit cards, and similar information from computers and smartphones to online services without giving the process a second thought. Without a secure internet connection, you’re putting that information at risk. Fortunately, following some basic cybersecurity strategies helps keep internet threats at bay. Here’s how to secure your internet connection.
Why is Internet Security Important?
An unsecured network can compromise your personal information. Unauthorized users can access unprotected Wi-Fi connections, piggybacking off your internet signal for free and slowing your bandwidth. More alarmingly, those same people can use an unsecured connection to hack into your files, acquiring enough data to commit financial fraud or identity theft.
Other internet threats that can exploit an unsecured connection include malware: malicious programs that search for personal information or take control of computer functions. Phishing scams, which send emails pretending to originate from reputable companies, also exploit unsecured networks by including deceptively authentic-looking links that install malware.
Cybersecurity protects against internet threats using several tactics, including strong passwords, firewalls, and antivirus software. A secure internet connection uses these and other tools to prevent such hazards from accessing your network.
Benefits of a Secure Internet Connection
Protection Against Cyberattacks
A cyberattack is a malicious attempt to access a computer or network. A cyberattack’s intent may be to steal personal information, access financial records, turn off targeted computers, or hijack computers to launch attacks on other systems.
Cyberattacks exploit security vulnerabilities in software and unsecured networks. A secure internet connection prevents cyberattackers from accessing your network. Think of it like a deadbolt on your front door—it makes access to your network much more difficult.
Privacy Enhancement
Online privacy is important, whether you’re sending business documents to your main office or texting with your grandmother. A secure internet connection encrypts information as it leaves your network. Encryption digitally scrambles data during transmission, so it’s only viewable by you and the intended recipient.
Financial Security
Imagine for a moment if someone gained access to your bank account or the financial information of your business customers. It’s a scary thought and one that can quickly become reality without proper internet security. Cybersecurity protects banking information and other data that thieves can use to steal money or commit financial fraud.
Family Safety
Parents need to consider who—and what—their children will run into online. Most modems include parental controls that can enhance your family’s internet security when used correctly. Knowing how to access and change parental internet settings gives you more control over what your children can or cannot see online.
Uninterrupted Online Experience
Hackers, cyberattacks, and other internet threats disrupt your online experience. A secure internet connection prevents interruptions, so you can enjoy your internet connection without worrying about online threats.
How to Secure Your Internet Connection
How do you secure your internet connection? The following tips help you work and play online. Don’t assume location will protect you from cyber threats: urban and rural internet connections are equally vulnerable.
Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Your network password is your network's first line of defense. Strong passwords are vital for a secure internet connection and should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. The longer and more complex your password is, the better, especially for network connections. Avoid using dictionary words or anything with ties to your personal information.
You won’t need to enter your network password every time you use the internet. Setting devices to remember your password and connect automatically is easy. For anyone outside your network, however, a strong password is a significant hurdle.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, adds an extra layer of security to online accounts, social media, and networks by requiring more than just a username and password. When you log in, 2FA texts a one-time password to your phone. Without the one-time passcode, a user cannot access the account.
Keep Software and Devices Updated
Software, modems, and routers require periodic updates to address security concerns and block vulnerabilities. Ignoring updates puts you at risk of internet threats. Set up automatic updates so you never miss an update.
Utilize Secure Wi-Fi Connections
Wi-Fi available at airports, coffee shops, malls, and similar locations is often unsecured. Ideally, avoid connecting devices to unsecured networks when you’re on the go, as they have significant security vulnerabilities and are a prime target for scammers and hackers.
Install and Maintain Antivirus/Malware Software
Antivirus software scans and deletes malicious programs from your computer and is an essential part of maintaining a secure internet connection. Like any software, antivirus programs require periodic updates to be efficient, as viruses and malware constantly evolve.
Be Cautious with Email and Links
We mentioned phishing earlier. A malicious type of spam, phishing emails and texts appear to come from reputable organizations, but link to fake login pages designed to steal usernames and passwords. Many phishing emails contain spelling mistakes and other indicators that the message is bogus, but others are more sophisticated, with counterfeit landing pages that look exactly like the webpage they impersonate.
The best way to avoid phishing scams is never to click links in emails or text messages. Instead, navigate to the company’s actual website in your browser before logging in. You may want to contact a company if a phishing scam is impersonating them, but again, don’t contact them through links or phone numbers in the message. Find their contact information through a trusted source instead.
Regularly Back Up Your Data
Your data isn’t just vulnerable to hackers and malware. Floods, power surges, or catastrophic hardware failures can wipe out years of photos, documents, and other information. Backing up your data keeps it safe from unexpected disasters. You can back up data to USB drives or upload a copy to a cloud service like Google Drive.
Educate Yourself and Your Family
Internet threats often succeed by targeting one of the most significant vulnerabilities to a secure internet connection: human error. Phishing scams and malicious websites rely on people not recognizing them as a threat. You’ll have a more secure internet experience if you stay up to date on cybersecurity issues and educate your family about online risks.
Tools and Technologies for Internet Security
Several tools are available to help you improve your internet security, including:
Firewalls
Firewalls monitor network traffic, allowing or blocking traffic based on security rules you set. Many routers and modems include firewall capabilities that you can adjust in their settings.
Secure Browsing Extensions
Secure browsing extensions are apps designed to modify web browsers. Extensions can manage web page cookies, block ads, and store passwords. Only install browser extensions from trusted sources, as third-party extensions can contain malware, and only use them if you have antivirus software installed and updated.
Password Managers
Strong passwords are difficult to remember. A password manager securely stores your passwords so you can assign strong, unique ones to all your online accounts. Some web browsers and antivirus programs include built-in password managers.
Learn More About Our Satellite Internet Service!
Hughesnet® internet plans include installation and support for network routers and modems, so you can be sure your network is as secure as possible. For more information, check out Hughesnet Reviews, or explore how the internet has changed the world.
