5 Ways To Check Internet Connection Security

 We recognize that there are so many potential weak points in a network, it is difficult to know if all of them are properly secured. Is your connection secure, and how do you know where the weaknesses are? Here are 5 ways to check internet connection security so you can surf the internet freely.

1. Test Your Firewall For Weaknesses

The first thing to check for your internet security is a firewall. The main job of a firewall is to protect the ports on your computer from unwanted visitors. Because of this, it's a good idea to test this port to make sure unauthorized connections can't get through.

Luckily, you don't have to pay hackers to attack your firewall. Services like SHIELD UP prod on computer ports will report back if it breaches your defenses. If your firewall doesn't protect you, it's worth trying some more secure firewall apps.

2. Test Your Antivirus Strength

Antivirus software secures your downloads to ensure nothing harmful enters the system. As a result, it's a good idea to make sure your antivirus is active and doing its job properly. A bad antivirus will not catch threats as they appear and will allow them to infect your computer.

To safely test your antivirus, you can download the EICAR file. EICAR files themselves are harmless, but antiviruses are trained to detect them as if they were viruses. EICAR files can be downloaded alone, or bundled in a ZIP file layer in an attempt to hide them from your antivirus. This makes the EICAR file a great way to test your antivirus without exposing your PC to actual threats.

3. Check Your Protocol While Browsing

When you send data to websites that use the HTTP protocol, it's sent as what's called "plaintext." This means that no one is encrypting the data between you and the target server. People can snoop on what you post and log any private information. This makes HTTP dangerous to use on public networks, because you are never sure if someone is logging your data.

On the other hand, HTTPS encrypts your data. HTTPS is usually used when you log in to a website, so your information is hidden. You can tell if a website is using HTTPS by looking at the URL which should start with "HTTPS" if your connection is secure. Browsers may also display an icon next to the address bar to let you know that data is encrypted. Google Chrome, for example, will show a little padlock to let you know it's using HTTPS.

When you log into a website, make sure to check the protocol. If you use HTTPS, you are safe to log in. If you don't see the key, the website is using HTTP and is not secure. If this happens when you visit a popular website, there is a possibility that malware has redirected you to a fake website that looks identical to the real one. This is done so that the hackers can get your login details and get into your real account on the real website.

If you are interested in using HTTPS on as many websites as possible, it is worth taking a look at HTTPS Everywhere. This is an addon that is compatible with most popular browsers and enforces HTTPS on every website that supports it.

4. Keep Your Router Safe From Hackers

Your router is the hub for your home internet connection. This takes care of who can and cannot use your connection, which makes it a prime target for hackers. Because of this, it is a good idea to secure your router to prevent future repercussions

First, make sure you are using WPA2 for your Wi-Fi key. If you received a router semi-recently, there's a very good chance it's been using WPA2 since you bought it. Older models will use WPA, or worse, WEP.

Second, make sure whether your network is safe from password hacking? If you are unsure, double check the password your router uses. There are two things you need to check: the password for accessing the network and the password that gives you admin control over the router itself.

Currently, routers use random passwords for each model to stop hacks. Older or cheaper models, however, will likely use a standard username and password, such as the classic “username:admin, password:admin” standard. If you have this, be sure to change it soon!

Finally, if you feel you are still not secure, you can also change your router's SSID. By default, your router displays a name with its model type. If hackers find fault with your router model, your SSID will reveal that you are using a vulnerable router. By renaming your router, it will hide your model name and make it harder for hackers to hack your security.

5. Check Your VPN Connection For Leaks

Is your internet connection safe from DNS leaks? If you are using a VPN, it is best to double check if it is leaking information about your actual whereabouts. By double-checking whether the service hides you using IP Leak.

This will pressurize your traffic to ensure that the VPN connection is secure, and not "leave" your real details. If you visit a website without a VPN, it will show you all the information it can infer from your connection. When you revisit the website after enabling the VPN, it will show the VPN server details, not yours. If you see your details, it means the VPN didn't secure your connection properly.

Conclusion

So How To Check Internet Connection Security? Actually you should know that there are many ways in which a hacker can harm your connection. However, there's no need to worry, by carrying out some simple tests, you can ensure that your connection is safe to use.