Cyber Security Awareness Month Week 4: Network Week

We network better together

Let’s face it: If we had to rank all the devices we have in our homes, modems and routers would probably end up somewhere near the bottom — if they even cross our minds at all. And since they’re the reason many of our internet-connected devices work at all, it seems a bit unfair, doesn’t it?

Until now, our Wi-Fi Wi-FiWi-Fi refers to a set of wireless communication protocols that can transmit traffic to Wi-Fi enabled devices within a local area. A Wi-Fi enabled device such as a laptop or tablet can connect to the internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the internet. An area covered by one or more Wi-Fi access points is commonly called a hotspot. networks and devices have been unsung heroes. But this week, it’s time to sing their praises — and give them all the attention they’ve earned.

94% of Canadians have internet access at home^{Note i}

Which means that most of those Canadians either have a:

• modem - connects your home network to the internet
• router - lets your devices use the internet connection
• modem and router combo - connects your home and devices to the internet

to connect them to their home internet or Wi-Fi network NetworkSeveral computers that are connected to one another. .

That's more than the people who own:

• 89% - smartphones^{Note ii}
• 85% - computers^{Note ii}
• 55% - tablets^{Note ii}

So why don't we appreciate them as much?

Sure, routers and modems aren't as flashy as those other devices, but they are the things that keep them all working together.

Because our networks do so much, we need to be extra careful to keep them secure.

9 in 10 Canadians have a unique Wi-Fi password^{Note iii}

68% of Canadians don't use their router RouterA network device that is used to establish and control the flow of data between different networks. 's default DefaultA setting automatically chosen by a program or computer that remains until the user specifies another setting. password^{Note iii}

17% of Canadians use a guest network for smart devices and visitors^{Note iii}

Especially with public networks.

87% of consumers have potentially put their information at risk while using public Wi-Fi^{Note iv} by

• 59% - logging in to personal email
• 25% - accessing financial information
• 16% - online shopping

Strengthen your network connections:

• Update your router's name and password
• Use a separate network for smart devices and guests
• Turn off Wi-Fi on your devices when not in use
• Use a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi
• Don't access or send sensitive information on public Wi-Fi
• Never connect to unfamiliar networks

Get more tips on how to appreciate your devices at GetCyberSafe.ca

Footnotes

1. i

   Canadian Internet Use Survey, Statistics Canada, 2019

2. ii

   Digital 2020: Canada, Kepios, We Are Social, Hootsuite Inc., 2020

3. iii

   Get Cyber Safe Awareness Tracking Survey, EKOS Research Associates Inc, 2020

4. iv

   2017 Nonrton Wi-Fi Risk Report, Norton by Symantec, 2017