Networking Basics: Learn How Networks Work
The Internet, a vast network of interconnected devices, relies heavily on the efficient management of IP (Internet Protocol) addresses to function seamlessly. Within the spectrum of IP addresses, there exists a subset known as “reserved IP addresses.” These addresses, set aside for specific purposes, play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity, security, and functionality…
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We talk a lot about taking the right steps to protect your identity, data, and privacy when you are online. Those actions are definitely important, and you should always proceed with caution when you are browsing, shopping, learning, banking, doing business, working, or doing anything else online. However, you should also know that if you…
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The internet as we know it today simply would not function without protocols. Protocols are sets of rules and procedures that allow different computers and networks to communicate with each other seamlessly. Just like languages have grammar and vocabulary, data networks rely on protocols to provide a common framework for organizing and transmitting data. Let’s…
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In an era where cyber threats are a constant risk rather than a possibility, businesses cannot afford to be complacent about cybersecurity. This is why it is crucial that you understand what pentesting is. Penetration testing, also known as “pen testing,” serves as a vital diagnostic tool to identify and resolve security weaknesses before hackers…
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The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) assigns every Autonomous System (AS) on the internet a 16-digit Autonomous System Number (ASN). This identification number is what allows independent systems on the internet to both control the routing information within their own networks and exchange routing information with other ISPs. In order to understand the Autonomous System…
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Even though most people aren’t going to need to know the difference between a URL and a URI, it really matters in a few specific situations! Understanding the difference between URL vs. URI is important in a number of contexts, especially for web developers, IT professionals, and anyone working with internet technologies. URL vs. URI:…
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The first computer virus, known as the Creeper Program, was created as a security measure to test self-replicating computer code. The aptly-named Creeper accidentally infiltrated computer hard drives in 1971, and then it tried to remove itself — its intent wasn’t malicious. Sadly, since that time, intentional viruses have become increasingly sophisticated. They are a…
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You hear about new types of cyber attacks almost daily. As soon as information security experts have figured out how to deal with one threat, another pops up. One of the latest tricks used by hackers is called MAC address spoofing. MAC spoofing can be used to steal private data from unsuspecting victims. If you…
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Without an IP address, we would all scream into the Internet abyss, and no one would hear us. Interactive websites, social media, and video platforms wouldn’t exist. IP (Internet Protocol) addresses allow us easy access to the Internet. Although we’re each assigned an address, for websites, IP addresses hold paramount importance. You can glean a…
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Even those of us who don’t work in IT or a tech-related field might recognize the term IP address (Internet Protocol Address). Although we may not be clear on the many forms an IP address can take, we probably know that everyone who utilizes the Internet has an assigned IP. So what is a virtual…
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When it comes to dealing with Internet device connections and networks, most of us have at least heard of the technological terminology involved. USB cables, WiFi, routers, and ethernet connections are used by everyone — even when we don’t necessarily understand how they work. When discerning what connections will work best for your needs, you…
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In today’s world, where much of our lives are online, protecting our digital information has never been more critical. Traditional network security—think of it like a castle with a moat—assumes everything inside is safe. But as technology evolves, this old approach often falls short. That’s where Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) comes in, challenging these old…
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So you’ve decided to purchase and set up your home router system. How much time could it possibly take? You’ve opted out of your internet provider’s offer to rent you equipment and set it up for you. You want to ensure that all security measures for your router are maintained by you and not your…
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Having access to the internet has become so common now that it’s considered a basic human right by many. But that doesn’t mean setting up and maintaining a home network is easy. Home networks can’t work without specific network devices, which you probably have at least some awareness of. If you have internet access at…
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With the tidal wave of supply chain attacks in the last few years (think SolarWinds and NotPetya), companies need to be more wary than ever about who they trust to make their software. The stakes are high. If you’re like most organizations, you can’t produce all of your software in-house. That means you’ll have to…
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You can have the most secure device, be committed to cybersecurity, and still get hacked. Why? It could be simple changes you didn’t make to your router when you got it. Or web beacon. When your cable company or ISP sets up your Internet they’re rushing to finish up and head to their next client.…
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Modern life requires a lot of mental capacity to remember dozens of user IDs and passwords. You end up with random post-it notes you can’t seem to find. You’re constantly getting blocked from your own accounts because you can’t remember the genius string of letters and numbers that was so good you forgot it. So,…
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The days of weak wireless signals at home may be a thing of the past. Nothing is more frustrating than having a weak, inconsistent and troublesome Wi-Fi network at home, because today’s households (working moms and dads, active kids, involved young adults) rely more on their smart devices and laptops than they do on their…
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You’ll be amazed at what can happen. The more you learn about why people want to hide their IP addresses, the more you should be convinced to give it a try yourself. Just in case you’re new to this topic, there are more than a few reasons you might want to hide your IP addresses…
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Most of us are so happy to have the convenience of wireless networks that we tend to overlook the fact that they are very unsecure. For example, with a wired network, you have to be directly connected to the network. But with a wireless network—where the connection is made possible by a radio signal—anyone within…
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Broadband internet service is a form of high-speed internet access. In fact, the name “broadband” has come to be synonymous with high-speed internet use in general. Since speed is measured by bit rate, the number of bits processed per unit of time, broadband internet service is defined as being 256 kbit/s (kilobits per second) or…
[Read More]Setting up a wireless network for the first time. If you haven’t set up a wireless network at home yet, you should give it some thought. With the advances of technology over the past several years, it has gotten pretty easy to set one up. But more than that, because so many people these days…
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First, let’s get a couple of points out of the way: Wi-Fi, which rhymes with the outdated term “hi-fi,” has nothing in common with its soundalike. Hi-fi stood for “high-fidelity” and was used to describe a phonograph/radio system with excellent sound. Wi-Fi, by comparison, does not stand for “wireless fidelity” and has nothing to do…
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What Is SmartDNS? With an array of global sites hiding behind the locked doors of geo-blocking, using a SmartDNS is the key to accessing that restricted content and essentially unblocking websites. Before delving into the world of SmartDNS use, however, it is beneficial to first educate yourself on what a SmartDNS really is, how it…
[Read More]IANA Port Number List The port numbers are divided into three ranges: the Well Known Ports, the Registered Ports, and the Dynamic and/or Private Ports. The Well Known Ports are those from 0 through 1023. DCCP Well Known ports SHOULD NOT be used without IANA registration. The registration procedure is defined in [RFC4340], Section 19.9.…
[Read More]Networking allows computers to share data. Connecting all your devices is convenient but it may also open you up to hacks and cybercrime if you don’t do it correctly. Read these articles to learn the basics of computer networking, including how to secure your router and Wi-Fi.