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Did you know that 2023 recorded a 72% increase in cyberattacks since 2021, causing harm to more than 340 million people? The staggering increase underscores the need to focus more on your network security. If you’re using Astound Broadband Powered by Grande, then we’re sharing tips to improve your Grande Internet security. Let’s check them out below:

1. Identify Phishing Attacks

Phishing is one of the most common cyberattacks. With more than 3.4 billion phishing emails sent every day, it’s no surprise that you might’ve received one too! But, instead of crying over split milk, you need to equip yourself with the understanding of phishing emails.

Here are some factors that highlight a potential phishing email:

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Protection Against Phishing Scams

Once you’re aware of the indicators of a phishing email, here’s how you can protect yourself from one:

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  • Spam Filters: This allows you to minimize phishing emails from landing in your inbox. You can create a filter in your email account to push such emails directly to your spam box, which you can empty later.
  • Avoid Personal Information Requests: No matter how urgently a person is requiring your information, never share personal information before validation. Information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, etc., are the primary target of a phishing scam. So, unless you’ve verified the source, avoid sharing this information at all costs.
  • Visit Secure Websites: Websites with HTTPS secure protocols are protected from malware. Whenever you’re surfing online, ensure that you’re only visiting such websites so that any malware or phishing link doesn’t infect your device and your information.
  • Direct Verification: If someone is impersonating your family, friend, or any such entity, asking for money or personal information, make sure you verify it before taking any action. Text or call the person directly or look for information online in case someone impersonating a company’s representative is asking for such information.
  • Secure Protocols: Enable secure protocols, such as protected Wi-Fis, secure websites, security suites, etc., to keep your online experience secure at all times.

2. Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA or sometimes 2FA) is one of the most prominent ways of securing yourself online. Stats reported that MFA will have an estimated $20 billion market share by 2025, which only illustrates its importance.

The use of MFA mitigates unauthorized users from accessing accounts. When enabled, it sends an authentication text or verification pop-up to the device connected with the account. Only when the text/pop-up is authenticated, the account can be accessed.

Its importance was verified when Google claimed to have blocked more than 60% of targeted attacks on Google accounts using MFA. Hence, enabling MFA on all your online accounts is most recommended.

You can follow the steps provided for adding MFA on your online accounts and link secondary devices for authentication.

3. Password Complexity

Securing your accounts with passwords is just not it. You need to ensure that your passwords are strong enough to keep your accounts secured. The ‘Brute Force’ attack is a common tool for hackers to infiltrate passwords.

Stats showed that almost 30% of all users have experienced password breaches due to weak credentials. That being said, keeping a strong password is one key way of protecting your network and online accounts. Here’s how you can do it:

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4. Remove Malware

With 560,000 new pieces of malware detected every day, and more than 1 billion attacks registered, malware is nothing less than a threat! Sometimes, you don’t even know and malware is infecting your network and your device. This happens because hackers place malware in different online spaces i.e. sometimes embedded in links, images, comments, etc.

When a user visits these links/ websites, the malware is triggered to download itself without letting the user or its network know. In such cases, malware, such as spyware and ransomware, can infect your device, steal and corrupt your information, or result in identity theft.

Secure Your Devices Against Malware

Here are some easy-to-implement tips that you can use to protect your devices and Grande Internet network or any provider network from malware:

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  • Device and Software Updates: Keeping your devices and software updated will help reduce malware infestation. Updates help install the latest security patches that mitigate network and device infiltration.
  • Limiting File Sharing: File sharing can result in malicious content transferred to you or connected accounts. So, limit file sharing as much as possible and only accept files after running them from scans.
  • Avoiding Pop-Ups: Pop-ups, when often clicked accidentally or intentionally, can download malicious content or software. Installing ad-blockers will help avoid such pop-ups from running out of the blue.
  • Avoiding Unreliable Links: Avoid opening links from emails, chats, etc., since they can contain malware and can infect your devices. Create filters to send such files, emails, and messages to spam right away.
  • Using Security Suites: The one thing you need to do is to install a premium security suite on your device. This will help secure your network and the devices that you’re using the internet on. In addition, running regular security scans on your devices will help minimize any malware infestation.

In addition, try to use only provider-authenticated routers i.e., if you’re a Grande Internet user, then opt for Grande-approved modems for enhanced security.

5. Use VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to connect to servers remotely. Most people often use a VPN to access a network or website that is inaccessible in their area. In some cases, people use VPN to securely connect to any online platform.

Using a VPN has several benefits, including:

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Using a VPN can help strengthen the overall internet security, resulting in protection from unauthorized access.

6. Bonus Internet Security Tips

Apart from the ones we’ve shared above, here are some bonus Grande Internet security tips that you should consider:

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FAQs

To improve internet security:

  • Use only secure networks
  • Connect to HTTPS sites only
  • Avoid opening suspicious/ spammy links and emails
  • Use internet security suite
  • Use VPN
  • Use strong passwords

Yes, a VPN can enhance network protection by encrypting data and hiding identity and location.

Run a scan on your device to ensure that there’s no malware. Use only premium security suites to enhance malware protection.
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Robert is a dedicated and knowledgeable author, an SEO expert with a passion for all things tech. He has a keen eye for detail, allowing him to write interesting blogs that are informative and engaging for readers. He has extensive knowledge of internet, TV, and phone pricing and plans, and has created numerous how-to guides to help users make informed decisions. As a tech geek and TV buff, he is always up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the industry, making his content always fresh and relevant.

Robert