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Every day, we use the internet to work, learn, bank, shop and stay connected. But with cybersecurity, many people do not know where their internet provider’s job ends, and theirs begins. 

The reality is that online safety is a shared responsibility. 

Internet providers help maintain secure networks, monitor infrastructure and provide tools that support a safer online experience. But they cannot control the passwords you use, the websites you visit and whether you keep your devices up to date. 

Understanding that difference is an important step toward staying safer online. 

What is online safety? 

Online safety means protecting your devices, accounts, personal information and digital activities from cyber threats. This includes everyday habits like: 

• Creating strong, unique passwords.
• Updating software and devices.
• Recognizing phishing and other scams. 
• Avoiding suspicious downloads.
• Securing your home Wi-Fi.
• Protecting sensitive information. 

As threats continue to evolve, it's important to understand that no single security best practice or product can prevent every threat. For example, one common misconception is that antivirus software can keep a device safe.

"Attackers are constantly looking for new ways to compromise their targets,” Midco Information Security Analyst Nick Bruggeman said. “Antivirus is a great safeguard, but it is not the end-all, be-all. It works best when paired with careful online behavior."   

 

Knowing More Doesn’t Always Mean Doing More 

People know more about cybersecurity than ever before, yet they’re protecting themselves less. 

The CybSafe Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report: 2021-2025 highlights a growing gap between what people know about online safety and what they are actually implementing into their routines. 

According to the report, “security fatalism,” or the belief that protection efforts are pointless because personal data is already online, increased from 22% in 2023 to 34% in 2025. 

Complexity, cost and psychological fatigue can make it difficult for people to consistently follow through on what they know. 

The good news is the percentage of people who feel security is within their control and is possible increased from 2022 to 2025. 

What Your Internet Provider CAN Do 

Maintain and monitor the network. 

Internet providers maintain the infrastructure that delivers your connection and monitor network health for outages, equipment failures and unusual activity that could affect service. 

At Midco, the Network Operations Center monitors the network around the clock. The team uses tools to identify issues, investigate the cause and coordinate responses. This work focuses on infrastructure supporting the network. 

Protects systems and customer information. 

Internet providers are also responsible for protecting the internal systems they use to operate their businesses and serve customers. 

“If we protect our employees, servers and the devices that make the business function, we in turn protect the customer,” Bruggeman said. “That includes protecting the personal information customers provide to Midco.” 

Securing these internal systems helps protect customer account information and technology used to deliver and support service. 

Provide home Wi-Fi security tools. 

The Midco Wi-Fi app gives customers greater visibility and control over their home network.  

Customers can use the app to: 

• View connected devices 
• Remove unfamiliar devices 
• Create profiles for family members 
• Set internet schedules 
• Manage access to certain websites 
• Review network security activity 

Midco Information Security Analyst Alyssa May said the ad-blocking function lets customers know in real time how Midco is protecting them online. Midco’s server will block suspicious activity, which you can monitor through the app. 

“Being able to have that visibility, just to really see what's going on behind the scenes, is really nice,” May said. 

These tools add another layer of protection, but customers still need to review alerts, recognize their devices and choose settings that work for their households. 

What your internet provider CANNOT do 

Even a well-protected network cannot stop every threat. 

Your provider cannot control your passwords. 

According to the CybSafe report, longer password use rose from 16% in 2022 to 25% in 2025. However, the use of people incorporating personal information into their passwords also increased to 37%. 

A strong password is important, but it is not always enough to stop a cyberattack. 

“Any password is capable of being compromised,” Bruggeman said. “Multifactor authentication provides an extra layer that can protect your information.” 

Enable multifactor authentication whenever possible, especially for: 

• Email 
• Banking and financial accounts 
• Social media 
• Internet and utility accounts 

Multifactor authentication needs an extra check beyond a password. This can help block access if the password is stolen. 

Your provider cannot prevent every phishing attempt. 

Your internet provider cannot decide whether you click a link in an email, text message or social media post. 

Phishing messages may claim: 

• Your account was locked. 
• A payment failed. 
• Suspicious activity was detected. 
• Immediate action is required. 

“Always double check who sent the message before clicking anything,” May said. 

Instead of using the link or phone number in a suspicious message, May advised people to go to the company’s official website directly and call a trusted number. 

 

Your provider cannot control what you download. 

Internet providers cannot prevent someone from downloading unsafe software or ignoring a security warning. 

Be cautious when a website: 

• Requires a browser extension 
• Opens repeated pop-ups 
• Redirects you without warning 
• Claims your device is infected 
• Requires unnecessary personal information. 

These warning signs are common on fraudulent and illegal streaming sites, which may expose visitors to malware, scams and data theft. 

Learn more in our guide to the risks of illegal sports streaming

 

How to stay safe online 

Online safety starts with a few practical habits:

• Protect your accounts 
• Keep devices updated 
• Review your home network 

Your internet provider helps protect the network, maintain infrastructure, safeguard customer information and provide security tools. You complete that protection by managing your devices, accounts and everyday online choices. 

The strongest online safety strategy is a combination of provider protection and personal responsibility. 

Think of it this way: Your internet provider is like the mail carrier. They bring your package, or connection, to your door. It is your job to keep that package safe inside your home.