Philip Goguen
We live in a connected world. All our smartphones, laptops, computers, smart TVs, and smart home appliances are connected to the internet. They are sending and retrieving data 24/7. Now, you don’t have to personally visit a bank to make your payments. Everything can be done with your smartphone. This convenience has brought a lot of security threats with itself. We are no longer safe as the online threats keep on mounting up.
Many internet users follow simple hacks such as installing a VPN to make their connection and online browsing secure. However, I think that the responsibility lies on the internet service provider to make sure the networks are secure and impenetrable.
The role of internet service providers in cybersecurity has become a hot topic these days. Many internet service providers shy away from their burden of responsibility towards consumers. Conversely, many of them take this responsibility onto themselves to ensure a safe online environment. For example, Charter Spectrum™ is one of the providers that ensure online safety by providing free security suite to customers with their internet service. You can click here to learn more about their offers.
Nevertheless, it is important to understand the role of internet service providers in ensuring that consumers have a safe browsing experience. We realized that the average consumer does not understand his or her right to internet security. Therefore, we came up with a comprehensive guide on all the roles your internet service provider should play for ensuring your cybersecurity.
Before that, let’s talk about the threats we can face as consumers:
Disruption of business
Poor security control can disrupt all legitimate activities and businesses. Every year, cyber-attacks lead to the loss of millions of dollars. If your business is operating online, you are vulnerable to many risks. Having an internet service provider with faulty security can largely create a dent in your data and finances. Therefore, it is important to have a secure network in the first place.
Loss of personal data and information
Your data and information are sold online on the dark web. It is then used against you and this damages your reputation. The hackers always look for easy targets that they can exploit. They are always on the hunt for your pictures, documents, financial information, and social security. Therefore, you are vulnerable to great damage.
What role should your ISP play in cybersecurity?
As we have always discussed that the role of an internet service provider in your online security has always been a part of the debate. Many people are against the idea and they have logical reasons to oppose it. The first reason is the damage it can cause to the business. Now if your internet service provider can block certain users from reaching you, there is a high chance that you lose legitimate and potential customers. For any small company, this loss may amount to nothing but if you are running a big organization, you may suffer intolerable loss.
Secondly, excessive security still poses a great threat to your privacy. The internet security controls monitor where you browse on your internet and deeply analyzes the content of your traffic. This brings up the possibility of your internet service provider using the data for other reasons.
Nevertheless, here are the roles your internet provider should play for your cybersecurity:
Security Suite with all internet plans
Many internet providers have guaranteed online security by providing a security suite with their internet plans. This security suite works as a firewall providing 24/7 protection to the user. It protects you from the potential attack of hackers and spammers. This is done by their partnership with third-party online security service.
For example, Cox Communication is protected by a security suite that is powered by McAfee. This security feature adds an extra layer of protection to your network. You can protect your information while making payments online. You can keep track of your security by running the program that detects viruses, trojan horses, and malware. The program keeps them at bay.
Similarly, Charter Spectrum is another provider with a free security suite. The security suite is powered by McAfee as well. It has all the protection you need from your internet service provider. Therefore, your browsing experience is safer than ever.
Similarly, AT&T also has a security suite. It comes with all the internet plans they offer. It gives protection against viruses, malware, and provides spyware blocking.
How can you ensure your online safety?
While we put our entire burden on your internet service provider, we have to take some important security measures ourselves. This is a responsibility for every single individual because it is easier to blame the provider for our negligence. First, never write down your username and password on your phone or laptop. Make sure you have it on a piece of paper otherwise remember it thoroughly. Reset your router and change your password every two months. If you want to pay a bill online, make sure that you have a VPN. Turn the VPN on while making online payments. Never share your personal information such as DOB, Social security number, driver’s license number, or financial pin to anyone on the phone. Lastly, always open secured websites. This will help you prevent security breaches from hackers and spammers.
Final Verdict
We live in a world where people care less about their online safety and when something happens to their data and information, they try to blame their service provider. Any residential internet service is vulnerable to online threat and yours is no exception. However, the responsibility lies on both the service provider and consumer. Sharing this responsibility will prevent any unwanted contingencies.
