Home Network Overview
The diagram above shows what a safe home network could look like. In incorporates a number of different hardware and software solutions that work together to help keep the computer systems safe.
The numbers one to ten in the diagram refer to ten key components that each provide a measure of security. Each of these components deserves further description and comment.
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STEP -1-
Install a Hardware Firewall/Router
The hardware firewall/router is at the core of your system security. It is on the “front lines” when it comes to protecting your systems. It’s main security purpose is to let you get out to the Internet while keeping the Internet out of your computers.
While initially expensive, their price has dropped significantly in the past number of years. In fact, I have seen them as inexpensive as five dollars. There is no real reason to not have a hardware firewall.
Some of the common manufacturers of hardware firewalls include:
D-Link
Linksys
Netgear
SMC
Setup Tips
Change your default password.
This is very easy to find on the Internet
Disable remote access. This is usually very easy to break into
As convenient as it is, disable DHCP or at least limit it to the number of computers that are on your network. Do not use DHCP if you have WiFi
