How secure is fiber internet compared to other types of connections?

Fiber internet is considered the most secure internet technology available today, in terms of its ability to keep your data safe from interception and to maintain reliable service. Learning about the security features of your internet connection is part of being smart about cybersecurity, so here’s a quick look at why fiber is more secure.

Why Is Fiber More Secure?

Fiber transmits information by sending light signals through strands of glass, rather than via electromagnetic waves like cable and other types of copper-based internet technology. This difference is responsible for many of the benefits of fiber-optic internet, including its high speed and low latency.

In addition to being faster, this method of sending information is more secure. Here’s why:

Copper-based technologies like cable and DSL can be “tapped” by tampering with the cable to intercept data. Fiber cables can’t be tapped, removing an important security threat.
Fiber cables are typically buried underground, so they’re more secure in the sense that they’re hard to physically damage.

Comparing Fiber to Cable, DSL, and Wireless

Here’s how fiber stacks up against some other common internet technologies in terms of security.

Is fiber-optic internet safer than cable and DSL?

These two copper-based technologies are vulnerable to the interception attacks via cable tapping. They’re also susceptible to electrical interference from weather events like thunderstorms. While ISPs take steps that make these technologies secure and reliable enough for most people’s purposes, they still can’t beat fiber in this area.

Is fiber-optic internet safer than 5G fixed wireless?

Wireless internet connections, such as 5G fixed wireless, are a strong choice for security. Modern fixed wireless almost always includes robust encryption and eliminates cable-tapping vulnerabilities. However, it can suffer from performance issues in adverse weather.

Beyond the Connection: User Responsibilities

Most cyberattacks happen when cybercriminals gain access to a user’s accounts or devices, rather than directly through their internet connection. That means the most important thing you can do is to follow the standard best practices of home network security:

Protect your Wi-Fi network and all of your devices with strong, unique passwords
Change the default username and password on your router
Turn your router off if you go away for several days
Check for unknown devices on your network and remove ones you don’t recognize
Consider using a VPN to keep your traffic private

Without a doubt, fiber is the most secure internet technology—but it’s ultimately up to you to keep your network secure.