.png){kind=logo}
Your internet service provider (ISP) can be one of the biggest threats to your company's online security. ISPs can easily monitor your online activity and browsing history, worse, sell your data to third-party advertisers. This activity exposes your business to cyberattacks, data breaches, and other security threats.
You're not alone, though. Nearly 80 percent of Americans are worried about their privacy when browsing the internet. In an era of unprecedented connectivity, you must ensure your organization can keep up with cybersecurity.
Internet Service Provider (ISP) tracking is the practice of monitoring and recording users' online activities, including websites visited, searches made, and downloaded files. Tracking is done through cookies, IP addresses, and other tracking technologies.
The threat of ISP monitoring to businesses is substantial concerning the following:
Cyberattacks and data breaches
By tracking a business's online activity, ISPs can gain access to sensitive information, such as login credentials and financial data. They can use this information to launch targeted attacks, compromising security and risking business data and reputation.
Loss of confidential business data
By monitoring a business's online activity, ISPs can potentially sell this data to third-party advertisers, who may use it maliciously. This can lead to losing intellectual property, customer data, and other sensitive information.
Damage to a business's reputation
Customers may lose trust in your company's ability to protect data if they know your ISP is monitoring you. This distrust can lead to a loss of customers and a damaged brand reputation.
In addition to these three risks, ISP tracking has legal implications. Depending on the jurisdiction, it may be illegal for ISPs to monitor and record their users' online activity without consent. This can lead to legal action against the ISP, as well as potential fines and other penalties.
You must take the necessary steps to protect your organization, such as using VPNs, HTTPS encryption, and other privacy tools. Doing so can safeguard your online activities and protect customers from security threats.
According to IBM, data breach costs increased from $3.86 million to $4.24 million in 2021. No wonder 84 percent of users are more loyal to companies with strong security controls.
Now more than ever, protecting your company's privacy and keeping your browsing history hidden is essential. By doing so, you're safeguarding your organization and your clients or customers.
Learn how to remain private online and prevent your ISP from tracking your internet history below.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) will encrypt your internet connection and route it through a remote server, making it difficult for ISPs to track your online activity. VPNs also provide additional security benefits, such as protecting your data from cyberattacks.
Choosing the right VPN for your business is crucial in ensuring your online activity remains secure and private. With so many VPN options on the market, picking which is best suited for your business's needs can be time-consuming. Here are factors you should consider when choosing a VPN for your business:
Security — The primary reason for using a VPN is to enhance security and privacy. Therefore, choosing a VPN with strong encryption and security features is essential. These features may include an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy.
Speed — VPNs may end up slowing down your internet connection due to the encryption and routing of your internet traffic through remote servers. Choosing a VPN that provides fast connection speeds without compromising security is vital.
Number of servers and locations — A VPN with many servers and sites can offer more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content from different regions. This is especially helpful for businesses with employees or customers in other parts of the world.
Compatibility — Ensure that your VPN is compatible with your business's devices and operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Customer support — In case of technical issues or concerns, choosing a VPN that provides reliable customer support through different channels, such as email, live chat, and phone, is crucial.
Cost — Prices for VPN service providers can vary widely. Choose a VPN that fits your business's budget without compromising security or performance.
HTTPS encryption is a protocol that encrypts your internet traffic between your browser and the website you're visiting. This makes it more difficult for ISPs to intercept and track your online activity. Having SSL certification can also inspire more trust from your customers, particularly if your business accepts credit card payments online.
The Tor browser is a free web browser with additional privacy and security features. It routes your internet traffic through a network of volunteer servers, making it difficult for ISPs to track your online activity. Note that the Tor browser is better suited for specific purposes and is not intended for the average user.
Most web browsers are equipped with private browsing mode, which prevents them from saving your browsing history, cookies, and other data. This can help prevent ISPs from tracking your online activity.
DNS (Domain Name System) is a technology that converts website addresses into IP addresses. By default, your ISP will use its own DNS servers to convert these addresses. However, a third-party DNS provider can help prevent your ISP from tracking any online activity.
By implementing these tactics, you can significantly reduce the data your ISP can collect about your online activity. Albeit not foolproof, taking action is best than doing nothing at all.
In conclusion, protecting your business from ISP tracking is crucial in today's digital age. Following the tips in this article, you can safeguard your company's online activities and prevent security threats.
Every organization is unique, so choose the right VPN for your business, educate your employees on internet security, and implement best practices that fit your needs.
Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp
_____________
Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.
