How to Block a Hacker on Satellite Internet
Satellite Internet service has a unique set of issues relating to online security and protection from hackers, while sharing other problems common to all other forms of Internet connection. Securing your Internet connection and network against hackers requires a combination of standard security techniques, as well as methods specifically geared for satellite signals.
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Instructions
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Assess your security needs. Satellite signals are transmitted wirelessly, so like standard wireless Internet (abbreviated WiFi), they can be intercepted by anyone with an appropriate receiver. However, satellite uses a different (and far less common) radio frequency than WiFi; while it is common for hackers to go "wardriving" to pick up open WiFi networks in dense urban and suburban areas, it is extremely unlikely that this will be attempted in a sparsely populated area with satellite equipment. However, if you have reason to believe that you may be specifically targeted for a network attack, you need to guard against it.
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Contact your satellite Internet service provider (ISP) and ask them which encryption methods are best used with their service. Encryption mathematically encodes all of the data you send and receive; anyone eavesdropping on your satellite signal will be unable to read anything more than gibberish from your encrypted data. However, the nature of satellite Internet (specifically, the delay caused by the speed of light from your network to the satellite, 18,000 miles up) can make some encryption methods unworkable; therefore, your ISP's advice is crucial in determining which encryption to use.
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If your ISP supports a virtual private network (VPN), implement the version they recommend. It allows you to create an encrypted channel through which all of your Internet traffic will pass. Your ISP may provide their own VPN service, or they may have tested third-party providers. Setting up a VPN can be complicated, but your ISP should be able to provide step-by-step instructions (which will vary depending upon the VPN in use).
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If you cannot use a VPN, ensure that you are encrypting as much Internet traffic as possible. Use secure connections for your incoming and outgoing email; these will be options in your email software, but will require your email provider to support this kind of connection. (Most already do.) Be sure to use HTTPS, a secure form of web traffic, for all important web transactions; banks and online shopping should default to this. You can tell you're using HTTPS from the lock icon which will appear in the corner of your browser window.
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Ensure that your computers are not running any open services without your knowledge. This can be done with network monitoring tools, which will vary depending on your network and operating system; again, your ISP should be able to provide you with assistance. Alternately (or in addition), use a network firewall at your router, which will prevent traffic across the Internet from your network except where you allow it. Check your router's support website for specifics on how to use this.
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