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Implementing Network SecurityImplementing network security? Yep.. This is important! You need to know the ways to safeguard your network in order to minimize the risk from being compromised by hackers, worms, viruses and other intrusions.
Changing Router Default PasswordDon’t use default password on router. You should change the password after initial router configuration Don’t use easily guessed password, such as your name, pet’s name, birth date, etc. A good password are composed of number, alphabet (upper case/lower case) and symbol.
Enabling Firewall on RouterIf the router provides firewall feature, use it!! Tune and make some testing on firewall. This feature is useful to drop unknown traffic from Internet and also can restrict the traffic going out to Internet. Disable Remote Router AdministrationDon’t enable remote router administration from Internet unless you really need it. Other Internet users would be able to find and hack your router through brute force password cracking or security exploits. It's common to find security holes on home router, you could check out this home routers security findings to find out more if you have doubts. Router Firmware UpgradeUsually router vendor will release new router firmware from time to time for fixing some software bugs and patching security holes. You should upgrade the router firmware when it’s available. The firmware can be found on vendor website. Note: You may lose router configuration settings when you upgrade firmware, so make sure you write down the router settings before you upgrade its firmware.
Computer SecurityYou need to update computer OS system and software as often as you can. Again, the updates will patch security holes and fix software bugs. For Windows OS users, you can use Windows Automatic Updates to update the system. If you have set up virtual servers or DMZ hosts, make sure you have latest system and software update installed. This is very important due to virtual server and DMZ hosts are exposed directly to Internet and easily to be compromised if not updated. Also, installing antivirus and anti-spyware software with up-to-date signature is a must to secure your computer. Don't forget to enable real-time protection feature in your antivirus or anti-spyware software. Note: Do not use USB drive or external drive from unknown or untrusted source. If you want to use it, make sure you scan the drive with updated antivirus and anti-spyware software. Non-Administrator Access to Windows OSDon't log on to Windows or other OS by using administrator ID with full access privilege for daily operation tasks! You should always use normal user ID with limited access privilege for checking email email, web surfing, online gaming, online chatting, etc. Administrator ID should only be used for the tasks which could not be done by using normal user ID. This is the reason why I said that: Since you will get full access privilege with administrator ID, the computer is much easier to be compromised if you click on malicious email link, access to compromised website or perform other online activities. Avoiding Phishing AttackBeware of phishing attack! Don’t simply click on the link in email, facebook, twitter or other websites, the link might bring you to malicious website to install malware on your computer or lure you into providing online banking or other personal information. Common phishing attack usually appears to be sent from bank, paypal, financial organization or online portal, so you should always check with respective organization contact first before doing anything. Delete emails from unknown sender, don’t even try to check the content! If you need more information, check out this anti-phishing website to learn more. Physical Network SecurityMany people might neglect physical network security, however you should keep an eye on it. Do some checking on physical network sometimes to see any unrecognized devices connecting to router or identify unusual setup on network. Turn Off Network Router and ModemYou should turn off router and broadband modem at the end of the day or when you are away on vacation, this will reduce the risk of your network from hacking. Visit this CERT website for more information on home network security. Trust me, worth a visit!! :o) Congratulations!! You have finished setting up your home network. Content: Home Network Introduction
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