Implementing Network Security

Changing Router Default Password

Don’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 Router

If 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.

Router Firmware Upgrade

Usually 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 Security

You 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 and updating antivirus and anti-spyware software is a must to secure your computer.

Physical Network Security

Many 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.

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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