What to Look for Regarding Internet Security When Buying Internet Plans

Whether you’re buying electrical appliances, children’s toys, or a new internet plan, remember – safety comes first. Believe it or not, the internet can be scarier than a dark alley downtown. I mean, cybercriminals are a lot craftier than some masked serial killer hiding behind a dumpster; isn't that so?

All joking aside, internet security is crucial for our well-being in an era where computers are entrusted with the most personal and sensitive information. When signing up for an internet plan, don’t forget to look out for security features offered by the provider.

What is the Role of Internet Providers in Cybersecurity?

You can think of your internet service provider (ISP) as the middleman between you and the World Wide Web. Every piece of information you share or receive online first passes through your ISP; this means your provider can access your browser history, app data, device info, and more.

Since internet providers are at the core of our digital interactions, they’re automatically in an ideal position to maintain cybersecurity. Not to mention, legal and ethical concerns naturally arise when you consider the vast amounts of data ISPs can access.

Protecting consumer info and shielding them from cyberattacks is how the providers establish themselves as trustworthy and transparent.

Internet Security Features to Consider When Buying an Internet Plan

It’s common practice to look at speed options, data caps, and overall cost when comparing internet plans from different providers. Unfortunately, we often overlook an extremely important aspect, i.e. internet security features.

Cyberattacks have become more sophisticated over the years, so ISPs must implement advanced security measures to address growing privacy concerns.

The best internet service providers (ISPs) out there take customer security seriously, but it’s important to know how your provider is protecting you from cyber threats. Here’s what to look for regarding internet security when browsing internet plans:

Data Privacy

We know that our internet providers collect information about our day-to-day online activities, but what are they doing with all this data? Comprehensive and unambiguous privacy policies can help customers understand how their data is processed.

Internet plans that are supplemented with resources to explain how the provider stores, manages, and safeguards sensitive consumer data are certainly helpful. Instructions to control and customize privacy settings further strengthen transparency.  

Some ISPs empower customers by letting them decide if their data can be shared for research and marketing purposes. Moreover, if any data policies are updated, the customer is notified so they can review changes and give consent. 

Data Encryption

The data that travels between the ISP’s network and external websites is primarily protected with secure socket layer (SSL) encryption and HTTPS protocols.

HTTPS can be described as a safety net for your web browser; it encrypts the connection between a website and your device to make it impenetrable for third parties. On the other hand, SSL encrypts sensitive data like login credentials for online accounts and transactional details to prevent unauthorized access.

Firewall Protection

Firewall can be defined as a network security system that monitors and regulates traffic. It protects a private network by prohibiting malicious data requests and transfers. Most ISPs offer basic firewall protection as it’s considered a preliminary form of defense against cyber threats.

Techies prefer to invest in their own firewall for more robust features, but that can turn out to be a complex and relatively expensive arrangement. If you’re not an IT expert and prefer to use ISP-provided equipment for your home network, their built-in firewall will suffice.

Anti-Virus/Malware Protection

You will find various paid and free anti-virus/malware protection software available on the internet. These software programs are easy to download directly from the source, so the question is: why do you need your ISP to provide this service?

Many ISPs partner with a specific internet security service, so you can avail it with your internet plan as a complimentary or add-on feature. In some cases, you can get a paid program free of charge or at a discounted price, which is great.

Firstly, paid anti-virus/malware removal software is generally more effective, so it is recommended.  Secondly, using the security features provided by your ISP is simply convenient – you don’t have to get them separately or worry about things like authenticity and network compatibility.

Parental Controls

A robust internet security system becomes all the more crucial when you have one or more kids in the house. Children can unknowingly access inappropriate content or share sensitive info on public platforms.

Parental controls allow adults to filter content and set time limits so children can only access age-appropriate websites and apps during permissible hours. You can also put restrictions on in-app purchases, disable cameras, switch off real-time locations, and monitor all online activity.

Browsing Protection

Most ISPs have a list of blacklisted websites, which are known to contain harmful or illegal content. Therefore, when a user tries to access a blacklisted website, the attempts are automatically rejected; although users sometimes use a VPN to open blocked web pages.

Unfortunately, cybercriminals can lurk around seemingly harmless territory as well, such as popular social media sites. For that reason, it is recommended to enhance browsing protection from your end rather than relying on your ISP alone.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is added to network security systems for more effective intrusion prevention. Sometimes passwords are hacked or leaked, so an outsider might try to log in to your personal accounts, and that’s when an extra layer of security comes in handy.

Moreover, many of us have our passwords saved on our devices, which can be problematic in the event that any of them is stolen. MFA requires users to provide multiple forms of identity proof, such as a verification code sent to their email/phone number, security questions, fingerprint scan, etc.

Bonus Tips to Assess the Safety of an Internet Plan

Many leading ISPs are offering robust network security suites for a small additional fee with their internet plans; some basic security features are built-in as well. You must compare internet plans from different ISPs to determine which provides the best value.

If you need extra assurance about the security features offered by a specific internet provider, we suggest:

• Check out customer reviews on forums, social media channels, etc.
• Go for wired broadband, as wireless connections are more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
• Look for an internet plan equipped with powerful Wi-Fi/wireless security protocols like WPA3.

Internet Providers with the Best Security Features