Internet Service Provider (ISP) - What it is and how to stay safe

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

What it is

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is the company that connects your home or office to the internet. It delivers bandwidth, assigns your public IP address, and may offer extras like email, DNS, web hosting, or a modem-router.

Why it matters

Your ISP affects speed, reliability, and privacy. It sits between you and the web, so its policies on logging, security, and support shape your day-to-day experience.

How it works - quick tour

  • Last mile: wires or wireless link your location to the ISP network.

  • IP addressing: the ISP assigns a public IP and routes your traffic.

  • Core network: traffic rides through ISP backbones and peering partners.

  • Extras: many ISPs provide DNS, modem-router gear, and security filters.

Smart choices and safety

  • Use your own router when possible and change default passwords.

  • Enable WPA2/WPA3, auto updates, and disable UPnP if you don’t need it.

  • Set a trusted DNS resolver or DNS filtering for safer browsing.

  • Ask about data caps, CGNAT, IPv6, and logging policies before you sign.

  • Prefer plans with clear support SLAs and no throttling on common apps.

    Glossary (A–Z)

    All A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

      • Related Articles

      • Local Area Network (LAN)

        What it is A Local Area Network (LAN) connects computers and devices in a small area like a home, office, or school. Devices talk to each other through ethernet cables or Wi-Fi, sharing files, printers, and internet access. Why it matters A good LAN ...

      • Internet Of Things (IoT)

        What it is The Internet of Things (IoT) is the web of everyday devices that connect and talk to each other - from smart TVs and speakers to thermostats, cameras, doorbells, cars, and factory sensors. They share data and act automatically without much ...

      • Data Breach Prevention

        Why it matters Breaches drain money, trust, and time. Strong basics turn scary “what ifs” into non-events: a phish gets ignored, a stolen password is useless, a lost laptop holds only encrypted gibberish. The short, smart checklist MFA everywhere: ...

      • Internet Worm

        What it is An internet worm is self-spreading malware that copies itself across networks without you clicking or installing anything. Unlike a classic virus that needs an infected file to run, a worm exploits bugs and weak settings to move ...

      • VPN (Virtual Private Network)

        What it is A VPN is an app that creates a secure tunnel for your internet traffic. It scrambles your data so Wi-Fi owners, ISPs, or snoops can’t read it, and it can make your connection look like it’s coming from another location. People use VPNs for ...