31 May

10 ways to fix wifi issues

1. Update your router’s firmware

The reason to do this step is twofold. First, you can take advantage of any additional features and improvements of the new version of the firmware. Second, your router usually receives any important security updates.

Usually, you will have the option to check, review, download, and install your router’s new firmware on its administration page. The exact steps depend on your router’s make and model, so check the router manufacturer’s support site for detailed directions.

Not sure how to access your router’s administrator settings to do the update? Click here for the easiest way to find your router’s password and IP address.

2. Look for interferences

Routers often compete for airwaves with other household devices. Rival devices such as cordless phones, Bluetooth speakers, microwave ovens, and baby monitors can impact your Wi-Fi network.

To help you pinpoint issues, you can create an actual Wi-Fi “heat” map of your area using a free tool like HeatMapper. By the way, Netspot works for Macs. You can also use an app like the free Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android that has a real-time signal strength meter.

3. Change channels

You can also select a different channel for your router. This is especially helpful if you’re tuned to that 2.4GHz frequency. Moving from one channel to a less crowded one may help speed things up.

To check the optimum 2.4GHz channel for your area or the least used channel, try using a Wi-Fi scanner.

For Macs, Apple provides a free tool called “Wireless Diagnostics.” To access it, hold the Option key while clicking on the Wi-Fi icon on the right-hand side of the menu bar, then choose Open Wireless Diagnostics.

For Windows, download the free Wi-Fi utility, Acrylic Wi-Fi Home. Similar to the Mac’s Scan tool, this application will instantly give you information about the Wi-Fi signals in your area including the channels they utilize.

For Android users, there are many Wi-Fi scanning tools available, but a popular one is Network Analyzer. Click here for more details and download information.

4. Put the kids and guests on their own network and enable QoS

Parents can put their kids’ devices on a separate network and establish special rules and settings. This can help keep the kids out of trouble on the web, and it eases the burden on your bandwidth.

You can set up a different Wi-Fi router, or you can simply enable your router’s “Guest Network” option. You can also set up a different network name (SSID) and password for the guest network to avoid confusion with your main network.

Guest networks are meant for visitors to your home who might need a Wi-Fi internet connection that keeps your shared files private. This segregation will also work for your smart appliances and shield your main devices from Internet of Things attacks.

You can also use QoS (Quality of Service). QoS is a feature on some routers that will let you prioritize traffic according to the type of data getting transmitted.

You could set latency-sensitive applications like Skype, IP telephony, streaming media, and online gaming to have higher priority over other types of activity. If you prioritize Skype, for example, other software will slow down, ensuring your call is smooth.

Different routers have different ways of handling QoS, and most consumer-level routers have more simplified ways of enabling it by having presets available. Just check your router’s support site for information on what each one does.

5. Get an updated router

If you’re in the market for a new router and you want improved Wi-Fi speeds and reach across your home or office, aim for at least an 802.11 N or AC router with dual or triple band capabilities.

AC routers have a maximum spectral bandwidth of around 8 x 160 MHz, compared to the 4 x 40 MHz standard of N routers. In other words, the increased bandwidth allows more data to be transmitted without slowing down.

Additionally, by having multi-bands, you could keep older 2.4GHz devices on their own bands while keeping newer devices that support the latest Wi-Fi standards on the higher bands. This is like having multiple routers in one.

Newer AC routers also have advanced features not found in older routers. Look for specifications like beamforming, Multiple-In-Multiple-Out (MIMO), multiple USB 3.0 connectors and Gigabit Ethernet ports.

You can choose from a range of awesome up-to-date routers with our MyRepublic plans, check them out here!

6. Try a Mesh network

If you have a large house or office space that requires consistent network speeds, a mesh Wi-Fi network is worth the money. Unlike standard Wi-Fi routers that require extenders for added reach, next-generation mesh routers are designed to spread a Wi-Fi network’s coverage through multiple access points.

These systems usually come in sets of two or three separate units that work together to envelop your home or office with Wi-Fi coverage. As far as your gadgets are concerned, the Wi-Fi mesh is one big continuous Wi-Fi network.

Get the TP-Link M9 or M5 with one of our MyRepublic bundles! More info here!

7. Check your security

When unauthorized devices mooch your Wi-Fi, it slows down your network. But even the type of wireless security you use can impact your overall speed.

First off, if your network is Open (no security) or uses WEP, change the security setting immediately. Obviously, an open network will make it easy for someone to steal your Wi-Fi, and the older WEP security is easily hacked.

This leaves you with WPA, WPA2 with TKIP or WPA2 with AES.

WPA and TKIP are older protocols and are now considered insecure. The way to go is WPA2 with AES.

8. Change location

Another important factor that affects your Wi-Fi network’s connectivity is its physical location. Try placing your router as close to the center of your home as possible. It’s also a good idea to keep it elevated and free from any physical obstructions like furniture and appliances.

You may also avoid reflective surfaces like glass, mirrors, and metal because Wi-Fi signals tend to bounce off these types of materials. Walls, especially those made of concrete, can also severely degrade your Wi-Fi signal.

You may even adjust your router’s antennas. Your router’s antenna is omnidirectional, so the signal goes every direction equally. If you put your router along an outside wall, you’re sending half your signal outside.

If your house is too big for a single router, you may need a boost or use our MyRepublic Dual Broadband package.

9. Choose the right band

Wi-Fi bands are not created equal. If you have a newer router, check to see if it supports the 5GHz band. Newer N or AC routers typically support this band. Unlike B/G routers that only transmit on the crowded 2.4GHz spectrum, N and AC routers could transmit on 5GHz as well.

Newer routers usually have dual-band capability. By enabling dual bands, you could keep older devices that only support the slower G specification on the 2.4GHz band and newer devices on the beefier and speedier 5GHz band. This is essentially like having two routers in one.

10. Reboot your router

Most users have to reboot their cable or DSL modem from time to time. If your network seems sluggish, unplug both gadgets for at least 30 seconds. Plug in the modem first and wait for it to come fully online. Then turn on your router. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

30 Apr

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a cybercrime in which a target or targets are contacted by email, telephone or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution to lure individuals into providing sensitive data such as personally identifiable information, banking and credit card details, and passwords.

The information is then used to access important accounts and can result in identity theft and financial loss.

The first phishing lawsuit was filed in 2004 against a Californian teenager who created the imitation of the website “America Online”. With this fake website, he was able to gain sensitive information from users and access the credit card details to withdraw money from their accounts. Other than email and website phishing, there’s also ‘vishing’ (voice phishing), ‘smishing’ (SMS Phishing) and several other phishing techniques cybercriminals are constantly coming up with.

 

Common Features of Phishing Emails

  1. Too Good To Be True  Lucrative offers and eye-catching or attention-grabbing statements are designed to attract people’s attention immediately. For instance, many claim that you have won an iPhone, a lottery, or some other lavish prize. Just don’t click on any suspicious emails. Remember that if it seems to good to be true, it probably is!
  2. Sense of Urgency – A favorite tactic amongst cybercriminals is to ask you to act fast because the super deals are only for a limited time. Some of them will even tell you that you have only a few minutes to respond. When you come across these kinds of emails, it’s best to just ignore them. Sometimes, they will tell you that your account will be suspended unless you update your personal details immediately. Most reliable organizations give ample time before they terminate an account and they never ask patrons to update personal details over the Internet. When in doubt, visit the source directly rather than clicking a link in an email.
  3. Hyperlinks – A link may not be all it appears to be. Hovering over a link shows you the actual URL where you will be directed upon clicking on it. It could be completely different or it could be a popular website with a misspelling, for instance www.bankofarnerica.com – the ‘m’ is actually an ‘r’ and an ‘n’, so look carefully.
  4. Attachments – If you see an attachment in an email you weren’t expecting or that doesn’t make sense, don’t open it! They often contain payloads like ransomware or other viruses. The only file type that is always safe to click on is a .txt file.
  5. Unusual Sender  Whether it looks like it’s from someone you don’t know or someone you do know, if anything seems out of the ordinary, unexpected, out of character or just suspicious in general don’t click on it!

 

Here is a great KnowBe4 resource that outlines 22 social engineering red flags commonly seen in phishing emails. We recommend printing out this PDF to pass along to family, friends, and coworkers.

22 Social Engineering Red Flags

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Prevent Phishing Attacks:

Though hackers are constantly coming up with new techniques, there are some things that  you can do to protect yourself and your organization:

  • To protect against spam mails, spam filters can be used. Generally, the filters assess the origin of the message, the software used to send the message, and the appearance of the message to determine if it’s spam. Occasionally, spam filters may even block emails from legitimate sources, so it isn’t always 100% accurate.
  • The browser settings should be changed to prevent fraudulent websites from opening. Browsers keep a list of fake websites and when you try to access the website, the address is blocked or an alert message is shown. The settings of the browser should only allow reliable websites to open up.
  • Many websites require users to enter login information while the user image is displayed. This type of system may be open to security attacks. One way to ensure security is to change passwords on a regular basis, and never use the same password for multiple accounts. It’s also a good idea for websites to use a CAPTCHAsystem for added security.
  • Banks and financial organizations use monitoring systems to prevent phishing. Individuals can report phishing to industry groups where legal actions can be taken against these fraudulent websites. Organizations should provide security awareness training to employees to recognize the risks.
  • Changes in browsing habits are required to prevent phishing. If verification is required, always contact the company personally before entering any details online.
  • If there is a link in an email, hover over the URL first. Secure websites with a valid Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate begin with “https”. Eventually all sites will be required to have a valid SSL.

 

Generally, emails sent by a cybercriminals are masked so they appear to be sent by a business whose services are used by the recipient. A bank will not ask for personal information via email or suspend your account if you do not update your personal details within a certain period of time. Most banks and financial institutions also usually provide an account number or other personal details within the email, which ensures it’s coming from a reliable source.

31 Mar

MyRepublic Wifi Halo

Great Design. Great Performance.

Wi-Fi routers work best when placed out in the open. That’s why we designed the MyRepublic Wi-Fi Hub and Wi-Fi Halo to not only provide fast speeds for all your devices, but to fit in your living room.

The Fastest 802.11ac Wi-Fi Standard

Featuring the latest 802.11ac technology and up to 4×4 spatial streams, MyRepublic Wi-Fi routers offer data rates up to three times faster* than the previous 802.11n Wi-Fi standard.

Better Speeds with MU-MIMO and Beamforming

Get better performance with the Wi-Fi Halo with MU-MIMO technology allowing each device their own dedicated high-speed connection. Beamforming further focuses the Wi-Fi signal on each device, improving Wi-Fi speeds.

Simultaneous Dual-Band Support

Both the MyRepublic Wi-Fi Hub and Wi-Fi Halo transmit on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands at the same time, allowing your devices to connect on the band allowing the fastest possible performance.

*Based on theoretical peak speeds. Actual speeds will likely be lower.

For a detailed list of technical specifications for the Wi-Fi Hub and Wi-Fi Halo, click here.

28 Feb

This is how the MyRepublic Wi-Fi Halo will make you believe in routers again

Your home router has one job: So why does it make it so hard to do that job? From dropped connections, to complicated setups, to indecipherable troubleshooting menus, to looking like a gaudy blot in the middle of your living room.

But the MyRepublic Wi-Fi Halo is different. Thank goodness it’s different. The first thing you’ll realize is that it doesn’t look like a mechanical bug that might rise to life and gobble your cats. Instead, the Wi-Fi Halo has a streamlined exterior with gently soft ambient lighting on its underside.

But don’t underestimate its minimalist design. The Wi-Fi Halo is a state of the art AC2200 dual-band router with a four-stream, four-antenna engine that features modern Multi-User (MU-MIMO) Beamforming technology for fast and reliable internet connections for multiple devices.

The Wi-Fi Halo also solves the most vexing parts about routers for most people: setting up and troubleshooting. A Setup Wizard helps you get connected in minutes and helps you to change your default passwords easily, the first line of defense against internet attacks.

Instead of a confusing interface that looks like a leftover from the 90s, the Wi-Fi Halo comes with a modern UI that anyone can use.

Instead of a confusing interface that looks like a leftover from the 90s, the Wi-Fi Halo comes with a modern UI that anyone can use.

A built-in firewall also secures your home network, and parental controls, as well as a Wi-Fi analyzer, gives you fine-tuned power over internet use. The router even comes with guest networks set up and easily toggled on, so you don’t have to worry about sharing your personal network’s password with visitors.

If you need help with the Wi-Fi Halo, MyRepublic customers can have router issues diagnosed and even fixed remotely by the MyRepublic customer service team, instead of having to wait for a technician to drop by.

With your permission, customer service agents can remotely fix common issues like checking the network connection status, checking which devices are connected, resetting the network password and updating the firmware.

It’s like having your own IT department ready to help you with Wi-Fi woes. And if you prefer not to have remote access to your Wi-Fi Halo, you can easily disable the function under its settings.

The Wi-Fi Halo normally commands a price tag of S$349, but new and existing MyRepublic customers can get a great deal on the router. Depending on their choice of MyRepublic fiber broadband plan, customers will receive a discount on their purchase of a new Wi-Fi router, ranging from $70 to $350 – the latter essentially making the Wi-Fi Halo available for free. Get your free Halo with one of these great plans here.

To find out more about the MyRepublic Wi-Fi Halo, click here.

31 Jan

8 Reasons Why Your Company Needs A 1Gbps Internet Connection

Get more things done more efficiently and securely with our suite of MyRepublic Secure Broadband solutions.

In this age of real-time information and global economy, the speed and efficiency of a company’s Internet connection can make or break it. While speeds of 100Mbps may seem sufficient, limiting your company’s Internet bandwidth may well limit your company’s true potential.

MyRepublic Business

1. Empowering your company in today’s era of cloud computing

More businesses are running their operations with cloud computing solutions transitioning to software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications such as Office 365, Google Apps, Salesforce and so on. In fact, the International Data Corporation (IDC) expects cloud software to grow surpass $112.8 billion by 2019. However, taking advantage of SaaS applications mean higher network traffic. As more applications are hosted externally, having Internet with larger bandwidth ensures optimum user experience while accessing cloud services.

2. Expands your business reach and creates new market opportunities

More businesses are going online. E-commerce is growing at an explosive rate with global B2C e-commerce sales amounting to more than US$1.2 trillion. A stable and super high-speed Internet connection has never been more important for supporting inquiries and online sales from customers all over the world. With a 1Gbps Internet connection, your business can easily take advantage of this enormous global online market demand and create new business opportunities.

3. It supports and optimises operations for peak periods

Wile seasonal holidays are a boon for business and revenue, they can also be a bane to operational capabilities. Spikes in customer traffic due to seasonal sales, month-end closings and other peak periods can cause serious bottlenecks, affecting productivity and interfering with the all-important customer experience. A 1Gbps connection provides you a buffer for spikes in customer demand and ensures that any sudden surge in requests can be processed quickly, allowing your business to stay competitive and deliver consistently.

4. It enriches your relationship with your customers

Communication is a key part of business and today’s Internet technology offers a number of exciting ways to communicate with your clients across the world: digital voice, video, desktop collaboration, telepresence etc. With various forms of multimedia access powered by apps like Skype, WebEx, Facetime, Google Hangouts, creating and maintaining crucial customer relations has never been easier. As such, it is imperative that you have sufficient bandwidth to prevent laggy or choppy calls. Having a 1Gbps connection facilitates smooth and stable communications, allowing you to fully convey the best features of your products as well as provide the best customer service.

5. Lightning fast uploads and downloads

As our capacity to store and process data grows exponentially, so do the size of our data files. In fact, 90% of the world’s data has been generated over the last two years. Businesses today increasingly have to handle and work with large files like high definition images, videos and large slide presentations. With a 1Gbps connection, the larges file s can be easily downloaded in minutes, emails with large attachments can be sent quickly, and regular file and system backups can be completed in no time.

6. Improve communication and productivity of your workforce

The core strength of a businesses lies with the effective employee communication. Slow internet speeds as a result of limited bandwidth, coupled by a high volume of communication during busy hours can hinder your company’s productivity. A high speed connection give businesses the assurance of sufficient bandwidth to support centralised unified communications across multiple departments and remote offices, enabling better collaboration and faster information sharing.

7. Support the increasing use of multiple device per employee in the office

The one-computer-per-employee model has dramatically shifted in years to a bring-your-own-device workplace culture. Professionals now conduct their business not only through a desktop but also laptops, smartphones and tablets. With more devices connected to the office network, there is high amount of traffic generated from video calls, streaming files, email and internet browsing. A 1Gbps connection ensures that there is enough bandwidth to go around.

8. Enables new ways of working

The workplace have evolved dynamically in recent years with the rise of part-time, freelance economy and global coma pines. Telecommuting is becoming increasingly common in the era of cloud computing. A high-speed internet connection to the office allows employees greater flexibility and faster access to their work-related resources, empowering them to work from home or outside the office, anytime and anywhere.

Get the Gig for your business! Check out the latest MyRepublic plans for Business here and empower your business now!