3 Things You Should do to Keep Your Home Network Secure

Computer networks used to be found only in offices and large corporations. Today, however, it is just as common to find a network in a home as it is in a physical business. One of the reasons for this change is that many people work out of their homes. Another reason is families have multiple computers and all of them need to be connected to the internet, printers, and various other equipment. Thus, many people are setting up networks in their home environments.

But, as more people are added to a network, the higher the likelihood of something dangerous happening, since not everyone is as diligent as the next person when it comes to security. Viruses can be transferred computer to computer, vulnerabilities allow hackers into the overall system jeopardizing bank accounts and sensitive information, and home computers become clones for illegal and unfavorable activities. Network security is a must, whether in your home or in a major conglomerate, and, there are 3 things you should do to keep your home network secure.

Home Network Security Action #1

Install and Maintain Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware and Firewall Software

Anti Virus Installing a reputable anti-virus program will help to keep viruses from spreading and infecting your machines. The problem with viruses is once one computer is infected, the virus quickly and easily spreads to the other machines. So the idea is to keep out viruses entirely if possible. There are several ways to do this:

install current anti-virus software on all computers in the network,
enable all other preventative options such as the firewall, anti-spyware and anti-rootkit,
enable the software to check email messages and attachments,
enable the software to scan while browsing the internet, so that random viruses on webpages, and drive-by downloads are recognized immediately,
set the program to regularly download updates and install on a daily basis,
set the program to regularly scan the computer for problems,
if the program does not have a firewall, be sure to install firewall software,
do not activate more than one anti-software program at the same time as this is redundant and often leads to false warnings.

The key to making software work effectively for you is to ensure that its definitions are current. This means you need to maintain the program after it is installed. Even if you bought a new license last week, your network can still be infected if a new virus surfaces today. Your software needs that data from the manufacturer's database in order to keep your machines protected.

Further, if a virus somehow passed through the system, the goal is to remove it before it infects the other machines. Otherwise, all of your repair work becomes a session in futility since the virus continues to spread. This is where security is important. If one computer has no software, it puts the whole network at risk. All must be protected. And if one does catch a virus, the other systems should be shut down while the infected one is cleaned. Then all systems should be checked before using again.

Lastly, there are many free programs that are legitimate, and you can safely download them to your systems for protection. But, there are many more rogue programs that seek to download invasive code on your computers. Before choosing any anti-virus software, be sure that you have checked and double checked its authenticity. Also, you should check to see that all required options are available. Sometimes free software has restricted features, so do not assume that you are protected for everything.

Home Network Security Action #2

Disconnect Computers and Backup Data

Backup Indeed, it is easier to walk away from the computer when you are finished than be bothered with shutting down. Often, you go to do something else and think that you will come back shortly. Then it ends up the computer is turned on for hours or until the next day and no-one is using it. Except maybe, the hacker who breached your system and has all kinds of ideas about how your computer can be used to attack other systems or how it can be used in various illegal ways. The problem with broadband internet is that it is connected 24/7. And if your computer is on, then the scenario is perfectly set for the intruder. One way to avoid this potentially damaging situation is by turning off individual computers when not in use. Computers are protected when turned off.

Another function that is part and parcel of good home network security maintenance is creating backups. True, it is time consuming and it is tedious, but given the choice between restoring your data and losing data, the solution is obvious. While it is always a good idea to keep backups of critical data, and possibly a recovery disk, it is even more crucial when more than one person is using the same network. You might know that your computer is protected, but you are not really sure about the computers used by the rest of your family.

Home Network Security Action #3

Take Precautions to Secure Home Wireless Networks and Deter Intruders

Secure Network Wireless home networks are more vulnerable than wired networks. They are much easier to infiltrate and they do attract intruders. The reason for this is that anyone within range of the signal can connect to your network if they know how. And, anyone trolling for an open connection is bound to find your network rather quickly given the right circumstances. To prevent this from happening to you, and to deter intruders by stalling them and forcing them to move on, consider executing these tips:

keep your router software up to date, and regularly patched when the company offers updates and patches to their operating programs,
ensure that software on all equipment and all computers attached to the internet on the home network are up to date,
disconnect any equipment that is not in use,
always change the password on the router and do not use the one it came with,
change all other default names such as the username if the option is available,
change the default network name to your own title, [this tip is important because companies tend to give their routers the same SSID (Service Set Identifier), and that makes your system highly attractive since hackers know the codes],
none of the computers on the network should sign on as administrator unless that high an access is needed and an administrator function is being performed,
disable remote access on the router and all computers unless absolutely needed or enable only when needed.

Unfortunately, many people either carelessly or unknowingly leave their home networks in precarious situations just waiting for something bad to happen. Although systems are far from impenetrable, there are steps which can be taken to tighten security, and make your network a safer environment. It is much like the locks on your house doors. Burglars can get in if they want to regardless of what you do. The key is to place as many obstacles as possible in their paths so that they will just move on and leave your house alone. Home networks are the same. Preventative measures mean good security.

Network Security