NextLight customers love having a fast, high-quality connection. But just like a car on the road, speed is only part of the experience. Safety matters, too.

We all know the stuff that an unwary internet user can run into online: scams, viruses, deceptive websites and more. With a little attention, a lot of trouble can be avoided … and we’ve even got some free tools baked into our high-speed WiFi 6 routers to help make that even easier:

• ProtectIQ is an extra layer of security built into our routers that provides malicious website, antivirus and ransomware defenses, protecting all of your connected devices.Anytime it intercepts a threat, you get an alert in your NextLight app (available through the App Store or Google Play).
• ExperienceIQ, which we discussed in an earlier blog is a tool to help you organize your home’s traffic, including the ability to set content filters for specific users so that you can keep household members from wandering where they shouldn’t online.

So when it’s time to hit the Net, keep the following basics in mind:

• Keep your software, firmware and devices up to date, so that you always have the latest security patches.
• Use antivirus protection from a trusted vendor, one of the simplest ways to guard against cybertrouble. (But only one antivirus, please – multiple AV programs can get in each other’s way.) As mentioned above, our WiFi 6 routers include both antivirus and anti-ransomwate protection, with a constantly updated database to guard against the latest threats.
• Look for the letter ‘s’, as in web addresses with “https” instead of the older “http.” That literally means “secure,” indicating that the website is taking steps to protect users and their information.
• Avoid sharing personal information online, such as your full name, address or Social Security Number.
• Don’t repeat your passwords and make sure they’re strong ones.
• Be suspicious of scams – we have some simple tips for scam avoidance here.
• If something feels wrong, it probably is. Trust your instincts … it’s always better to be careful.

Pretty simple stuff, really.  But it makes a difference.

Stay safe. And enjoy the drive.