With so many potential weak points in a network, information technology'due south difficult to know if everything is properly secured. Is your connexion secure, and how would yous know where the flaws lie?

Hither's how to check if your network is secure then you can have peace of listen.

ane. Test Your Firewall for Weaknesses

A firewall checking a laptop

The first port of call for checking your cyberspace security is the firewall. The firewall'south main job is to protect the ports on your calculator from unwanted visitors. Every bit such, it'due south a good thought to test these ports to ensure unauthorized connections can't creep through.

Fortunately, yous don't need to pay a hacker to attack your firewall. Services such equally ShieldsUp! prod at your computer'due south ports and report back if it breaches your defenses. If your firewall doesn't protect you, it's worth trying a more secure one. We covered the the best computer security and antivirus tools, so be sure to check them out if your current i fails you.

2. Test Your Antivirus Strength

An antivirus checking a laptop

Antivirus software secures your downloads to ensure goose egg malicious slips onto your system. As a effect, it'south a good idea to ensure it's active and doing its job properly. A poor antivirus won't take hold of threats as they appear, and volition let them infect your computer.

To safely exam an antivirus, y'all can download an EICAR file. EICAR files are harmless by themselves, just antiviruses are trained to detect it every bit if information technology were a virus. The EICAR file can be downloaded on its own, or arranged up in layers of ZIP files in an effort to hide it from your antivirus. This makes EICAR files a great way to exam your antivirus without exposing your PC to actual threats.

We covered more ways to cheque in the means to safely examination your antivirus. If you're wondering if your antivirus is up to par, be sure to try some of those methods.

three. Bank check Your Protocol While Browsing

A URL secured by the HTTPS protocol
Image Credit: Jirsak/Depositphotos

When you send data to a website that uses the HTTP protocol, it's sent every bit what's called "plaintext." This means there's aught that encrypts the data betwixt you and the target server.

People tin snoop on what you're sending and note whatsoever individual information. This makes HTTP dangerous to use on a public network, as you're never sure if someone is logging your information.

On the flipside, HTTPS does encrypt your data. HTTPS is typically used when you log into a website, and so your data is hidden. You can tell if a website uses HTTPS by looking at the URL; information technology should start with "HTTPS" if your connection is secure.

Browsers may also evidence an icon next to the address bar to let you know your data is encrypted. Google Chrome, for instance, will show a little padlock to inform yous that it's using HTTPS.

When you lot're logging into a website, be certain to check the protocol. If it uses HTTPS, you're safety to log in. If you don't meet the lock, the website is using HTTP—and is therefore unsafe.

If this happens when y'all visit a pop website, in that location'south a good chance that malware has redirected you to a simulated website that looks identical to the real matter. This is done so the hackers tin get your login details and get into your real account on the actual website.

If yous're interested in using HTTPS on as many websites as possible, information technology's worth looking at HTTPS Everywhere. This is an add-on that'due south compatible with virtually pop browsers and forces HTTPS on every website that supports information technology.

4. Secure Your Router From Hackers

A hacker

Your router is the central hub for your home'due south internet connexion. It handles who tin can and tin't use your connection, which makes information technology a key target for hackers. Equally such, it'south worth securing your router to prevent whatever headaches in the future.

For one, brand sure you're using WPA2 for your Wi-Fi key. If yous received your router semi-recently, at that place's a very good chance it has been using WPA2 since you bought it. Older models volition use WPA, or worse, WEP. There are plenty of reasons why you shouldn't apply WEP, so be sure to purchase a new router if your one uses it.

Is your network secure from password hacking? If yous're unsure, double-check the passwords that your router uses. There are two y'all demand to check: the countersign to access the network and the password that gives you admin controls over the router itself.

These days, routers use randomized passwords for every model to stop hacks. Older or cheaper models, however, will likely utilize default usernames and passwords, such as the classic "username: admin, countersign: admin" standard. If yours has this, be sure to modify it immediately!

If you're feeling paranoid, you tin besides alter the SSID of your router. By default, your router broadcasts a proper name that gives abroad what model it is. If hackers find a flaw in your model of router, your SSID volition reveal that y'all're using a vulnerable router.

Giving your router a fun name hides your model name and makes it harder for hackers to crack your security.

5. Check Your VPN Connectedness for Leaks

IP Leak Testing a VPN in Spain

Is your net connexion secure from Domain Name System (DNS) leaks? If you apply a virtual private network (VPN), it's a good idea to double-check if information technology's leaking information about your truthful whereabouts. If the term "VPN" doesn't hateful anything to you, you don't need to worry nearly this step. Instead, why non check out some reasons why you demand a VPN, and what information technology means?

If you do use a VPN, you tin can double-bank check that the service is hiding you using IP Leak. This volition prod at your traffic to make sure that your VPN connection is secure, and doesn't "leak" your real details. If you lot visit the website without the VPN, it volition show y'all all the information it tin can deduce from your connectedness.

When y'all revisit the website subsequently activating the VPN, information technology should show the VPN's server details instead of your ain. If y'all see your details, it ways your VPN isn't properly securing your connection.

Keeping Your Connection Safe

There are many ways in which a hacker tin can compromise your connection. There's no need to fret, but by performing some simple tests, you tin can make sure that your connection is safe to use.

If yous desire to take this a step further, why not learn some uncomplicated tips to secure your router? Doing and then volition actually help lock your habitation Wi-Fi down.

7 Uncomplicated Tips to Secure Your Router and Wi-Fi Network in Minutes

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About The Author

Simon Batt (751 Articles Published)

A Computer science BSc graduate with a deep passion for all things security. After working for an indie game studio, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech.

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