Cybersecurity has been part of the conversation since the internet first went mainstream in the 1990s. The early days of the web were hampered by viruses, identity theft, fraud, and other safety concerns, making security a central aspect of internet best practices.
A lot has changed since the days of dial-up, but hackers, phishing schemes, and fraudsters are still ever-present. Even if you tread carefully online, risks like spyware and other malicious software need to be acknowledged, assessed, and mitigated to the best of your ability.
People spend their entire lives learning about cybersecurity and creating anti-malware solutions that quickly become obsolete. Let’s start by keeping things simple, so you can beef up your defenses again Trojans, worms, and anything else the dark web throws your way.
Today, we’re exploring the best types of internet security that you should add to your arsenal. Whether you’re in the market for a new router or just want to see how your security stacks up, this is a great place to start.
Network security involves the protection of devices and apps connected to the web.
Network security is a major concern for large corporations and everyday internet users alike. Sadly, stories about stolen data or fraudulent activity with bank accounts or medical info are all too common.
Here are some ways you can boost your network security and ensure your safety from cyber-attacks of all kinds.
While most apps and consoles are well-protected from cyber threats and thieves, traditional desktops and laptop computers tend to be more vulnerable due to their direct and unrestricted access to the internet.
Antivirus programs can only go so far, and the best way to protect your network from the top-down is to use a firewall system that blocks intruders at the furthest point on the perimeter.
Instead of trying to protect individual devices and applications with third-party software, router-based network security is a necessity. While you can purchase firewalls for your existing router, it’s more effective and secure to buy a router that already includes strong privacy and security measures built into the hardware.
This way, you won’t have to configure another layer of software, miss out on updates for the latest version, and potentially leave your network and your sensitive information vulnerable to attacks in the process.
Router-level systems are more powerful, less prone to disruption, and often include proprietary features that further assist your efforts to disarm cyber threats.
For instance, the best network-level firewalls have the power to anticipate and detect cyber-attacks with the help of machine learning protocols, meaning the software accesses a database of past threats and adjusts automatically.
This provides round-the-clock defense for information like credit card numbers, virus protection, webcam protection, and anti-spyware capabilities without the need for a subscription.
You deserve a secure browser and a virtual private network at all times. With router-based firewalls, fewer updates and patches are required to ensure the latest, most effective cybersecurity measures for your home network, giving you peace of mind.
Even with the best router-based firewalls protecting your network, you need to be smart about how you share information, download content and apps, and navigate websites related to financial or medical data.
These security habits entail smart password management, only buying from trusted online vendors, and using two-factor authorization features whenever they’re available.
Stop keyloggers from saving your keystrokes and finding the passwords for your social media accounts, your email inbox, and your online banking information. The more layers of encryption, the better. That goes for your savings accounts, your investment portfolio, healthcare and car insurance portals, and everything in between.
Maybe you’ve used firewalls or antivirus software before, but you don’t know whether your investments paid off. Wouldn’t it be great to have visibility into how these systems are working and whether your network is truly under lock and key?
That’s what you get from a dedicated app connected to your router’s firewall, complete with reports about cyber threats and updates that keep you informed at every turn.
These apps also let you change settings and passwords on the fly, so you can stay ahead of cyber attackers whenever you suspect shady activity.
Don’t just settle for routers with bare-bones security features. Find a router with an app you can trust for your cybersecurity strategy that works on Macs, PCs, and any other devices in your home.
You’ve probably heard about the Internet of Things by now and the promises of next-gen smart homes that come with it.
As is true with any type of web-related tech innovation, cybersecurity needs to be part of the conversation from the beginning. Here’s what you should know about this important trend.
The critical nature of IoT security is clear to anyone who learns about the technology.
The Internet of Things is a broad term representing a large collection of devices connected to the web, including devices that would not traditionally be associated with network functionality.
For example, household appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and thermostats are being added to the IoT roster in many homes, along with security systems and even automatic garage door openers.
The emergence of IoT is exciting for many home and business owners, but it can be concerning from a cybersecurity standpoint.
As home networks grow into full-fledged IoT ecosystems, firewalls and other protective measures will become a necessity.
If you already connect more than a dozen devices to your network, you know that device management is an ongoing challenge. Protect your primary devices, your portable storage devices, and any other vulnerable devices added to your network.
With mesh router systems that improve widespread IoT performance, you can step up your security while ensuring every device stays safe.
Like cybersecurity, parental controls are an essential way to keep your family safe online.
Rather than protecting your home network from exterior attacks, parental controls are about setting internal restrictions and limitations so children cannot stumble upon dangerous parts of the web.
In addition to shielding kids from harmful content, parental controls help protect your network by limiting access to areas of the web that allow for vulnerabilities, attacks, malware, and other cyber threats.
Modern internet security should be built from the inside-out instead of only creating protective measures from the outside-in.
If you have curious kids with access to phones, tablets, and laptops, you know that it’s hard to monitor how they use the internet.
Rather than micromanaging their screen time and looking over their shoulder, content filters can automate the process while ensuring protection along the way.
You can choose from pre-configured filters that sort by age group or content type, or you can create your own restrictions and parameters for individual users and devices on your network.
You also have the choice to set access “schedules” that limit the use of certain apps or sites during homework hours, dinner time, or bedtime.
Enforcing these controls is helpful for parents and for anyone concerned about cybersecurity in general.
If you suspect that your child is hiding where they spend their time online, parental controls can help monitor browsing patterns so you can get the truth in real-time.
You can set restrictions if necessary or have a conversation with your child about smart internet use, cybersecurity, and other subjects that may be tough to tackle.
Network security starts at home, but it expands into the world when you have a supercomputer smartphone in your pocket at all times!
Consider adding another level of cybersecurity to your personal devices as you access Wi-Fi at work, on secure guest networks, or in any public setting.
Cybersecurity is even more of a concern when you’re out and about, connected to public networks at airports, train stations, restaurants, and even hotels.
With a dedicated app like Gryphon Homebound, you can apply all your security features to any activated device, including parental controls.
All internet traffic is directed back through your mesh router at home, giving you a much-needed protective barrier. You get the benefits of data encryption, malware protection, content filtering, and more, wherever you roam.
Even when you aren’t at home, you and your family will stay protected and maintain cybersecurity best practices at all times.
Knowledge is power, and these cybersecurity must-haves are a great first step towards securing your home and mobile devices.
Incorporate our recommendations for hardware, software, and best practices, so you can stay protected from any online threats.
Sources:
Top Security Practices | Cal Poly
7 Types of Cyber Security Threats | University of North Dakota
Securing Home Wi-Fi | UC Berkeley
A lot has changed since the days of dial-up, but hackers, phishing schemes, and fraudsters are still ever-present. Even if you tread carefully online, risks like spyware and other malicious software need to be acknowledged, assessed, and mitigated to the best of your ability.
People spend their entire lives learning about cybersecurity and creating anti-malware solutions that quickly become obsolete. Let’s start by keeping things simple, so you can beef up your defenses again Trojans, worms, and anything else the dark web throws your way.
Today, we’re exploring the best types of internet security that you should add to your arsenal. Whether you’re in the market for a new router or just want to see how your security stacks up, this is a great place to start.
General Network Security
Network security involves the protection of devices and apps connected to the web.
Network security is a major concern for large corporations and everyday internet users alike. Sadly, stories about stolen data or fraudulent activity with bank accounts or medical info are all too common.
Here are some ways you can boost your network security and ensure your safety from cyber-attacks of all kinds.
Router-Based Firewalls
While most apps and consoles are well-protected from cyber threats and thieves, traditional desktops and laptop computers tend to be more vulnerable due to their direct and unrestricted access to the internet.
Antivirus programs can only go so far, and the best way to protect your network from the top-down is to use a firewall system that blocks intruders at the furthest point on the perimeter.
Instead of trying to protect individual devices and applications with third-party software, router-based network security is a necessity. While you can purchase firewalls for your existing router, it’s more effective and secure to buy a router that already includes strong privacy and security measures built into the hardware.
This way, you won’t have to configure another layer of software, miss out on updates for the latest version, and potentially leave your network and your sensitive information vulnerable to attacks in the process.
Router-level systems are more powerful, less prone to disruption, and often include proprietary features that further assist your efforts to disarm cyber threats.
For instance, the best network-level firewalls have the power to anticipate and detect cyber-attacks with the help of machine learning protocols, meaning the software accesses a database of past threats and adjusts automatically.
This provides round-the-clock defense for information like credit card numbers, virus protection, webcam protection, and anti-spyware capabilities without the need for a subscription.
You deserve a secure browser and a virtual private network at all times. With router-based firewalls, fewer updates and patches are required to ensure the latest, most effective cybersecurity measures for your home network, giving you peace of mind.
Smart Security Habits
Even with the best router-based firewalls protecting your network, you need to be smart about how you share information, download content and apps, and navigate websites related to financial or medical data.
These security habits entail smart password management, only buying from trusted online vendors, and using two-factor authorization features whenever they’re available.
Stop keyloggers from saving your keystrokes and finding the passwords for your social media accounts, your email inbox, and your online banking information. The more layers of encryption, the better. That goes for your savings accounts, your investment portfolio, healthcare and car insurance portals, and everything in between.
App-Based Controls
Maybe you’ve used firewalls or antivirus software before, but you don’t know whether your investments paid off. Wouldn’t it be great to have visibility into how these systems are working and whether your network is truly under lock and key?
That’s what you get from a dedicated app connected to your router’s firewall, complete with reports about cyber threats and updates that keep you informed at every turn.
These apps also let you change settings and passwords on the fly, so you can stay ahead of cyber attackers whenever you suspect shady activity.
Don’t just settle for routers with bare-bones security features. Find a router with an app you can trust for your cybersecurity strategy that works on Macs, PCs, and any other devices in your home.
Internet of Things Security
You’ve probably heard about the Internet of Things by now and the promises of next-gen smart homes that come with it.
As is true with any type of web-related tech innovation, cybersecurity needs to be part of the conversation from the beginning. Here’s what you should know about this important trend.
More Devices and Vulnerabilities
The critical nature of IoT security is clear to anyone who learns about the technology.
The Internet of Things is a broad term representing a large collection of devices connected to the web, including devices that would not traditionally be associated with network functionality.
For example, household appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and thermostats are being added to the IoT roster in many homes, along with security systems and even automatic garage door openers.
The emergence of IoT is exciting for many home and business owners, but it can be concerning from a cybersecurity standpoint.
Advanced Network Security
As home networks grow into full-fledged IoT ecosystems, firewalls and other protective measures will become a necessity.
If you already connect more than a dozen devices to your network, you know that device management is an ongoing challenge. Protect your primary devices, your portable storage devices, and any other vulnerable devices added to your network.
With mesh router systems that improve widespread IoT performance, you can step up your security while ensuring every device stays safe.
Parental Controls and Restrictions
Like cybersecurity, parental controls are an essential way to keep your family safe online.
Rather than protecting your home network from exterior attacks, parental controls are about setting internal restrictions and limitations so children cannot stumble upon dangerous parts of the web.
In addition to shielding kids from harmful content, parental controls help protect your network by limiting access to areas of the web that allow for vulnerabilities, attacks, malware, and other cyber threats.
Modern internet security should be built from the inside-out instead of only creating protective measures from the outside-in.
Content Filtering and Restrictions
If you have curious kids with access to phones, tablets, and laptops, you know that it’s hard to monitor how they use the internet.
Rather than micromanaging their screen time and looking over their shoulder, content filters can automate the process while ensuring protection along the way.
You can choose from pre-configured filters that sort by age group or content type, or you can create your own restrictions and parameters for individual users and devices on your network.
You also have the choice to set access “schedules” that limit the use of certain apps or sites during homework hours, dinner time, or bedtime.
Enforcing these controls is helpful for parents and for anyone concerned about cybersecurity in general.
Browsing History Monitoring
If you suspect that your child is hiding where they spend their time online, parental controls can help monitor browsing patterns so you can get the truth in real-time.
You can set restrictions if necessary or have a conversation with your child about smart internet use, cybersecurity, and other subjects that may be tough to tackle.
Phone Security on Public Wi-Fi
Network security starts at home, but it expands into the world when you have a supercomputer smartphone in your pocket at all times!
Consider adding another level of cybersecurity to your personal devices as you access Wi-Fi at work, on secure guest networks, or in any public setting.
How it Works
Cybersecurity is even more of a concern when you’re out and about, connected to public networks at airports, train stations, restaurants, and even hotels.
With a dedicated app like Gryphon Homebound, you can apply all your security features to any activated device, including parental controls.
All internet traffic is directed back through your mesh router at home, giving you a much-needed protective barrier. You get the benefits of data encryption, malware protection, content filtering, and more, wherever you roam.
Even when you aren’t at home, you and your family will stay protected and maintain cybersecurity best practices at all times.
Take Back Control of Your Cybersecurity
Knowledge is power, and these cybersecurity must-haves are a great first step towards securing your home and mobile devices.
Incorporate our recommendations for hardware, software, and best practices, so you can stay protected from any online threats.
Sources:
Top Security Practices | Cal Poly
7 Types of Cyber Security Threats | University of North Dakota
Securing Home Wi-Fi | UC Berkeley
Isabelle Rupani
