No matter how many precautions you take, if the network you are connected to is not properly secured, you are exposed to danger and vulnerable to cyberattacks. But how can you check if a network is secure? Using an app called Fing.
What Is Fing? How Does It Work?
Available on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, Fing is a relatively lightweight but powerful tool capable of performing thorough network analysis. There is a free version of the app, and a premium one with additional features.
So, what can you do with Fing? For a start, you can check which devices are connected to your network, which obviously makes it much easier to detect intruders. But more importantly, you can test your network’s security. This includes testing the access point itself, scanning ports, viewing unconfirmed devices, and so on.
Additionally, using Fing, you can conduct ping tests, scan nearby wireless access points, check a device based on its MAC address alone, perform DNS lookups, test your internet speed, compare your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to other providers in your area, and detect outages or disruptions.
Fing: What Are the Downsides?
But no app is perfect, so what are the downsides to using Fing? For a start, it would have obviously been better if all features were available for free.
Unlike the free version, the premium one allows you to run different types of deep scans, troubleshoot problems with your connection and fix vulnerabilities, find hidden cameras connected to a network, and receive notifications whenever changes occur.
Then there’s also data collection. Though not as invasive as most apps these days, Fing does collect some personal data, according to its privacy policy. It also shares this data with certain third parties, including advertisers.
Network Security Matters
Fing is a handy tool for anyone looking to boost their security. The free version does the job well, and should be enough for most people. However, there are other ways to check if a network is secure, so make sure you familiarize yourself with them just in case.