As we create your home network, there are times when you might wonder whether or not the network is performing optimally. Sometimes you may feel as if the rural Internet speed is not fast enough or the Wi-Fi does not connect as quickly as it should.
You can easily determine whether your rural Internet connection is performing as per expectation. You do not require any sophisticated network monitoring tool to do this, especially for simple networks such as the one you have at home.
Several myths exist regarding the performance of home networks. The article takes a look at 7 of the most common ones and shades more light to it.
Myth #1
Email attachments are the biggest threat
You may have been advised severally that you need to keep off email attachments coming from unknown sources. Furthermore, you are well aware, not open attachments that look suspicious. Out of these many warnings, most people create the perception that email attachments are their biggest security threat. That is far from the truth. Modern malicious hackers have devised mechanisms to set up traps via website links just as they would in emails. Today, any download is as dangerous as the suspicious attachment in an email. Watch out for whatever you download.
Myth #2
Only shady websites pose a threat
Most people feel safe when on known websites and assume that only the shady ones threaten their security. That is not true. Hackers are capable of creating misleading links on any website. In fact, sites like Go Daddy, Amazon, and Google have registered some of the biggest pathways for malware. As reputable as these sites are, no one would think that they are a threat. Take protective measures by installing decent anti-virus on your home devices for increased safety.
Myth #3
You are safe as long as you do not use USB sticks
Most people still follow the old-age rule that USB stick carry the most malware around. That may have been true a few years ago, but it is no longer the case today. You are likely to encounter malware via a website than it is on a USB stick. Do not be afraid to use a USB stick on your computer. However, take caution not to open files that you find suspicious.
Myth #4
Keeping off strange opening files guarantees your security
Without a doubt, strange files are a threat to your home network security. However, opening them is not the only source of virus to your devices. As technology evolves, so do the criminals. As a result, you also need to re-evaluate your home Internet security approach. Make sure that you are confident about a source before downloading files from it. Some of these files may trick your computer into opening them without any input from your end.
Myth #5
Your computer only gets a virus after you download something
Most people believe that the only way their computer can get infected is if they download a virus-carrying file. That’s very untrue. Downloads are villains, but they are not the only threat around. There are some viruses classified as drive-by downloads that can install on your computer without needing you to download them. Having an anti-virus helps keep off such malware from your computer.
Myth #6
Your tablets/smartphones are safe
Believing that your mobile devices are safer than the computer is misleading. Any device that connects to the Internet pauses a security threat in equal measure. It can easily become a target by malicious hackers. Exercise general security measures when surfing the Internet regardless of the device used to do so.
Myth #7
You can tell if you a virus victim
Not all malware attacks instantly manifest. Sometimes you may be attacked but still proceed using your computer without knowing. Such malware does not intend to crash your computer. They aim at keeping you using your device for long enough in order to steal the intended information.
With these myths demystified, we hope that you will browse the Internet more safely. Keep your home network protected even as you enjoy rural high-speed Internet.