As much as the internet makes our lives easier, it can also turn into the bane of our existence if we’re not careful with it.
There are people with malicious intent, looking for opportunities to hack your data, steal your finances, or even your identity! Therefore, it is necessary that you keep yourself safe while you are using the internet.
However, as a blessing in disguise, there are some internet service providers (ISPs) that provide an integrated security system that keeps cybercriminals out of your network so that you can use the internet without worry.
For instance, Xfinity Internet has an Advanced xFi security system that prevents you from accidentally accessing risky websites, and it blocks remote access to smart devices from dangerous sources. However, it is important to understand how Internet Service Providers (ISPs) incorporate security features into your internet connection so that you can have some peace of mind, too.
Here are some ways ISPs make their connections secure.
Data Encryption
One of the most common ways in which ISPs give you the security that you need is data encryption. There are two types of encryption: One is for Data in Transit, and the other is for Data at Rest.
First, you need to understand what encryption is. Encryption changes your data in such a way that it makes the data unreadable for anyone that doesn’t have access to it. Even you can only access the data if you have the “encryption key” for it. So, think of it like this, it adds a layer of security to your data so that you can use the internet with a peace of mind.
If the data is in transit, then encryption is used to scramble data traveling between users and websites, which makes the data unreadable for anyone who tries to infiltrate the connection. A common example of this is using HTTPS, which encrypts the communication between a website and a user.
The other kind of encryption is for data at rest, which is basically the data which stored on servers and databases, basically data that isn’t in any sort of motion. This ensures that even though the data is stagnant, it can’t be readable for people trying to break in and steal it.
The Integration of Firewalls
A firewall acts as a barrier in front of you, which basically reads and assesses the incoming and outgoing communication, and it blocks out any unwanted traffic making its way through your internet connection.
This security feature is like an onion; it adds a layer of security to your internet connection, ensuring that you can use the internet with peace of mind.
The firewall also blocks out any unwanted outgoing traffic to a network. If, for instance, you’re about to send something harmful, the firewall takes responsibility to prevent the data from passing through. So, a firewall is yet another way of making your internet service more secure.
Therefore, it is important to have an internet service that comes with an integrated firewall. Not only that, but you should also keep the firewall on for your laptop and PC so that you can add even more security to them.
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
Most internet service providers have an integrated IDS that monitors your network traffic for any sort of suspicious activity, and it alerts the administration (your ISP) about security breaches.
This system is like an active guard that keeps an eye on the comings and goings of data in the network.
As soon as it suspects something fishy is going on, it alerts the ISP so that the administration can take action against it and keep your devices safe. This goes for all your devices at home such as your laptop, PC, smartphone or even your gaming consoles.
So if you want to stay safe while you use the internet, then you should definitely opt for an internet service provider that has an integrated intrusion detection system in it. This way, you can enjoy the high speed of your internet connection and get rid of the worries of someone infiltrating your network to cause you harm.
Secure Web Gateways (SWGs)
SWGs basically act as the intermediaries between users and the internet, which gives you security filtering, malware protection, and data loss prevention.
If you aren’t aware of malware, it has several types, and different attacks have different consequences for your devices. For instance, malware includes ransomware attacks in which a cybercriminal gains access to your data and encrypts it until you pay a ransom for it.
It also includes different viruses such as Trojans, spyware, and even adware. Therefore, having SWGs in your network makes it possible to steer yourself clear of such attacks.
Separate Subnets
Okay, now for the nerdy part, so pay close attention.
Some internet service providers may divide their network into different subnets, which isolates access hardware from core servers. Now you might be wondering why I’m telling you this. The purpose of this is that it makes it very hard for attackers to access your sensitive information.
This ensures that your data and sensitive information are safe and don’t fall into the wrong hands. It also prevents the possibility of a ransomware attack happening, so it’s a win-win situation for you!
Some Practices You Have to Do on Your Own
While the internet service provider does as much as it can, it is also your responsibility to be as careful and vigilant, since the internet is full of predators trying to prey on your data and assets.
Some common practices include setting a strong password for everything, enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your accounts, keeping all sorts of software updated, and using your common sense to see what might be malicious and what would be safe.
These were some of the many ways in which your internet service provider strives to keep you safe. However, it is also up to you to keep yourself safe, so keep your vigilance up high!