Myths and Realities About Your Wireless Home Network
Article Posted by Expert Author: Jesse Schwarz on 10/31/2014
Most of the personal devices we use
today either have internet capability, or require us to be connected to the internet on a regular basis, and
while we may think that our information and other data is secure when we use our devices, what's more
likely is that we are far more vulnerable than we may think. But how can we protect ourselves? The answer is
to ensure that our home network is secure. A home network can ensure the effective management of all
of the internet-connected devices in the home, whether it is a smart TV, smart phone or other device.
A Common Misconception About Connected Devices
While it may seem like a natural thing to ensure that the doors on our homes are locked, very few of us ensure the same of our devices. The truth is that many of the devices used today do not include any security features. This means that they can be left wide open to attack once a connection to the home network has been made.
And while a user can certainly look for ways to secure their individual devices, when considering in-home usage, the best solution is to ensure that the wireless home network is as protected as possible from any security breaches. But if that network is not protected, none of the devices that are connected to it will be protected, either.
Is A Protected Network 100% Secure?
Unfortunately, nothing can offer complete security. When considering how to protect your home network, it's important to understand that another kind of vulnerability is inherent, which is that any hacker who manages to obtain the login details of your home network may also be able to gain control of any internet-connected devices that connect to it.
Not only that, but your network can also be used by hackers to send spam, attack web sites and conduct any number of bandwidth-eating exploits. While this information isn't stated for the purpose of inciting fear about potential attacks, it's important that all facets of home networking, including those less-desirable aspects be considered in addition to all of the benefits that a home network can offer.
Don't Be Held Liable For the Activities of Criminals
Having and using a network that is unsecured can also leave you open to litigation should cybercriminal activity be discovered at your IP address. While this may seem like a remote possibility, consider that, when a hacker uses your network, your IP address is also used.
This can mean that any data that you or a hacker requests from the internet will be routed to your IP address, which can result in hefty charges being laid if law enforcement tracks illegal activity back to your IP address.
Tips for Home Network Security
As stated before, no network is 100% secure. But in taking steps which offer protection at various stages, you can increase the level of your home network's security overall. One way to do this is to look at your router's password.
This password is left unchanged by many more network users than you may think, and it can be the main route via which hackers get into your system. And so the first thing to do is change the router's password to something that is very difficult for a hacker to guess.
Changing your router's ID or name to one unique to you and difficult to guess is another reliable way to increase the security of your home network.
It's also a good idea to provide a means by which anyone who visits your home can enter your network if they need to get online. This can be done by creating a guest password
Finally, make sure you navigate the articles available at www.internet-serviceproviders.net in order to address child safety and anti-virus concerns online. Many vulnerabilities can be avoided by simply following several common sense tips.
Using STC to Increase Security
When thinking about how to improve the security of your home network, one acronym can be quite useful: STC. This stands for stop, think, connect. Before doing anything online via your network, stop for a moment. And then, think about the sites you are visiting. Are they enabled for security? Have you scanned your computer recently, updated your antivirus software and cleaned any unwanted files? If not, then it may be time to do so. Once you can ensure that all of the above objectives have been met, you will be in a much safer position to connect to the internet.
Article Posted In: internet service
Categories: internet service, parental controls, kids safety, anti virus software,
