It’s rational to be paranoid about attacks on your privacy and security in this digitized world. The last thing you want is your data falling into the wrong hands and being exposed. High-level breaches happen day and night and there is nothing that can be done to prevent them completely. But attacks on your privacy and security hit differently. You might log in to check your bank statement only to see a big fat zero because a data-stealing Trojan got hold of your credentials. Alternatively, you may find all your pictures up on the internet because your home network was easy to break into.
Network security is a big deal and is paramount to keeping your data safe online. A safe internet connection protects your network from malicious attackers and hackers.
A safe network makes sure your connection is encrypted, you completely trust the devices connecting to the network, and you have WPA/WPA3 security protocols.
It all comes down to doubling your security online and protecting your home network. It doesn’t take much effort except basic common sense. We have rounded up a few tips to become more secure online and keep your data safe! Check them out below:
Change Router’s Pre-set Credentials
Every router comes with a preset username and password, which unfortunately is super easy for hackers to guess and find. Therefore, changing it as soon as the router is out of the box should be your first move. You have to change 2 passwords – the Wi-Fi network password and the router admin password. The Wi-Fi network password is the one that is used to connect your devices to the network. The router admin password allows you to control the administrative side of the device.
Setting strong and unique passwords is important to prevent strangers and hackers from breaking into your network and changing the settings of your router or tampering with security. We also recommend using password managers to create strong and unique passwords that are difficult to guess and decode. Most password managers are available for free online. High-speed Internet from AT&T bundles will help you download them and create strong and unique passwords for free!
Update Your Router
Before you switch to another internet service provider or go shopping for a new router, consider updating your existing router’s firmware. Head to the manufacturer’s website to check for any updates available for download. If your router is provided by your internet service provider, get in touch with them and see if they can send out automatic updates.
Use a VPN
A virtual private network or VPN encrypts your connection to a public network. Any time you connect to a public network that you know nothing about, you should use a VPN. You don’t know how secure that connection is so there’s always a possibility of someone on that network trying to steal your data and hack through your phone. A VPN encrypts and reroutes your internet traffic through the VPN company-owned server, which means no one will be able to sneak on your data! You can easily find VPN apps for your phone, laptop, and tablet online!
Clear Your Cache
Your browser knows more about you than you actually think! How? Saved searches, web history, and saved cookies gather insane information and data on you! To protect any information that may be lingering around in your searches and history, always remember to delete browser cookies and deletes browser history regularly. You may lose the personalization you have applied for some websites but most browsers let you pick the websites you do not want to delete cookies from.
Set up a Guest Network
Most routers allow you to set up a guest network with a different password and network name. This is an excellent way of protecting your network for two reasons. First, a separate network for guests means that limited users have access to your primary network. Second, your primary network will be safe from catching any viruses or malware from any guest’s devices.
Don’t Open Random Links
Clickbait goes beyond catchy headlines and cute dog videos. It also includes links on Facebook, messaging apps, and emails that masquerade as websites. The links of this kind look persuasive and real enough to trick you into clicking them and sharing your credentials.
Never click and open a link or download a file unless it comes from someone you trust. But even then, be cautious as your source may too have been compromised. Avoid opening links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, even if they’re shared by your friends. These are mostly phishing scams.
To Wrap it Up
Network security is important. Making sure your data and information are protected from exposure, malicious hackers and attackers are paramount. Practice these 6 tips to improve your network security and surf the web safely!
Post by Techbuzz
