The internet is a wonderful concept; it has changed the way we live. From our education to transport, this remarkable technology has made our lives super convenient. Considering that we rely upon it so much, there is a constant need to be connected to the internet and hence one has to find out the safest way to access the web.
People either rely on their cellular data packages, their Wi-Fi connections at home, or public Wi-Fi hotspots spread throughout the country. It is important to know which network provides the safest environment for you to browse, stream, download, upload, and more. Let’s have a look at these networks in a little detail.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi networks connect your devices to a router wirelessly; whether you are connected to rural internet or an urban connection, a router provides connectivity throughout your home instantaneously. This is the form of internet connection that is commonly found in houses and business locations. They can be encrypted by setting up personalized passwords but your online activity may still be monitored by the internet service provider.
One type of Wi-Fi that people get so excited about is public Wi-Fi hotspots. While they may be free for everyone to use, they exist as an open network where numerous unknown parties can easily access the network with no security whatsoever. One has to be extra cautious before connecting to such a network. You could subscribe to the right internet service provider that offer the right security tools from BuyTVInternetPhone for your home, but when you are outside, the battle is yours alone.
Cellular Data
Cellular Data is the one that comes with the monthly plan of your phone plan. Instead of an internet service provider, your connection to the internet goes through your mobile service provider. But one good thing about this type of service is that it is encrypted, which means it is relatively safer.
What Aspects are at Risk?
People confuse the terms security and privacy quite often. It is important to understand that both are completely different and a network may be secure or private, or both, or neither.
Security
Security simply means that your online activity is inaccessible to people outside your network. The purpose of making your connection secure is to safeguard yourself from hackers, intruders, fraudsters, and the likes.
Privacy
Privacy, on the other hand, means preventing other people from within your network to know about your online activities. This means you want to prevent websites and web applications to know about your location and other personal information that they could access otherwise. Different websites and applications seek permission to access your personal data and it is your job to determine which data you can share.
How can you Protect Yourself
Your security and privacy can be compromised on both networks. However, there are some steps that you can take and tools that you can use to be more secure and private.
VPN
First of all, make it a habit of connecting to the internet through a Virtual Private Network or VPN for short. A VPN’s job is to create a virtual network for you that masks your actual IP address from websites and web applications that you may be accessing. This way, not only will your private information be protected, but you will also rid yourself of any irritating popups and/or ads that you might be faced with because the next time you connect, it will start from scratch.
Cookie Management
Websites use cookies store your information when you visit them. And this is something that many people consider to be a loose end. If youdon’t want websites to store your activities in the form of cookies, you can customize cookie settings that you frequently use.
Passwords
You may find it highly convenient to save your most frequently used passwords on your computers and mobile devices. While this may save you some seconds each time, itis not recommended at all. By saving your passwords on even your computer at home, you are giving an opportunity to the next person to access your personal information since the internet browsers do not provide as good of a security.
Regular Updates
Your mobile devices, computers, and the applications you use, all release frequent updates. These updates are designed to rectify any issues related to functionality, safety, and privacy of users. Thus, it is highly recommended that you download any update as soon as it is released.
The Final Verdict
One can do only so much in hopes of keeping oneself secure and private. The internet has integrated itself so intricately into our lives that we rely on it for almost everything. That is why we must do everything possible to make our online connections secure and private as much as possible.
