You’ve probably heard or seen some articles saying wireless internet is unsafe and you shouldn’t pick it as your home internet at all costs. The question is… is it true? With all the misinformation and disinformation nowadays, it can be difficult to fact check and actually separate fact from fiction. Well, don’t worry, because we’re here to clear up the confusion surrounding this type of internet connection. As internet users ourselves, we all know that safety is very important – especially now that even our banking information can be accessed online.
If you’re wondering if a wireless service is right for your home, we’ve got some interesting information for you to understand. Hopefully, all these will help you decide if it’s a safe home network option.
Is Wireless Internet Safe?
Yes, contrary to what many say, wireless internet is safe. But like other internet types, it has its vulnerabilities. It just happened that this type of internet is more susceptible to to security threats due to its open nature. And by that, we mean anyone within range can potentially access your network.
Unlike wired connections, which are physically confined to your home or office, wireless signals can be intercepted by anyone with a compatible device. This makes it easier for hackers to gain unauthorized access to your network and compromise your devices.
However, there are two types of connection: public and private. When we’re talking about home networks, of course, it’s private. You set up a password, restrict access to authorized devices, and implement other security measures to protect your network. Public Wi-Fi networks, on the other hand, are open to anyone, making them more vulnerable to attacks. It’s generally not recommended to use public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking or shopping.
But in general, wireless internet is safe to be your home network. You just need to be more careful, especially when connecting to public networks. You shouldn’t be afraid because there are a lot available tools out there that can help you secure your connection.
3 Proven Ways to Improve the Security of Your Wireless Internet
A big thanks to technological advancements over the years that we are now able to enjoy a lot of security tools that are effective for strengthening our online security. No matter your internet, it could be from Xfinity or Verizon or you have one of Boost Inifinite Plans, security threats can happen to anyone. That’s why we want to share these three proven ways to help you strengthen your security if ever you choose wireless internet for your home.
- Start with your password.
As cliché as it may seem, it’s actually your first and most important defense from cyber criminals. When we were kids, we’ve been taught that creating a unique password is very important, especially now that some of the most crucial activities, like banking, is done online. That’s why it’s best to make your password as random and as complex as possible. This works wonders, so just trust us on this.
- Disable guest networking if you don’t use it.
Guest networking is a feature that allows you to create a separate Wi-Fi network for visitors. It’s a smart feature actually, because it restricts your guests from accessing your personal network. However, if it’s not needed, it’s best to disable it because it’s a point of your network’s vulnerability. It can sometimes interfere with your main network’s performance, especially if random people connect to it.
- Use a VPN.
If you have extra budget, we highly recommend you to purchase a reputable VPN subscriptions. It can help you perform your online tasks with added security, so you don’t have to constantly worry about cyber threats while connected to wireless internet. This is your best bet aside from an antivirus software–it’s best if you can have both honestly. It’ll be a big help.
The Bottom Line
Wireless internet is definitely a safe option for your home network. It’s true that it has some vulnerable points than other types of internet, but it will not be the end of the world because of it. You can take some proactive steps to do strengthen your online security. Of course, there’s more to that three trips, but we’ll cover that in another blog post. For now, that’s a great start if ever you opt for wireless internet. Don’t let misconceptions hold you back!
