How to Improve the Network Security for Your Home or Office

Source: How to Improve the Network Security for Your Home or Office

Using the internet for business has become a necessity. However, it also increases the risk of security threats and fraud.

Your internet router is the link between the devices you use and the outside world. It is also capable of being exploited by hackers.

Don’t think your home system is secure or too small to be attacked by the bad guys. In April 2018, the US Department of Homeland Security warned that Russian hackers were targeting ISPs, home routers and firewalls.

Setting up a secure home network is a necessity to protect your identity and data. There is no way to be 100% sure. However, there are several preventive measures you can take for your network security to make yourself a more difficult target for attackers.

Make sure your network security is enabled

Most homes have multiple devices connected to their network, such as B. Smartphones, gaming systems, televisions, computers, portable devices and tablets. Each connected device must have the latest operating system, security software, and web browsers.

Malicious code, malware or hackers gaining access to an internet connected device can infect or steal private information from any other device connected to the same network.

Secure your router

More than three quarters of homes in North America use Wi-Fi as their primary connection to the Internet. When you added the Internet connection, your provider installed a modem and router (or a combination), a name for your network, and a password.

Don’t use the default username and password. Hackers can gain access to your router model with a simple Google search. Once they have access, they can reset your password, rename your network, and change any configuration from the options available.

Follow these steps to improve the security of your wireless network:

• Change your Service Set Identifier (SSID): This is the name assigned to your Wi-Fi network. Make it harder for hackers to identify your router type and exploit it for known vulnerabilities. Don’t use a name that contains personal information or other identifiable data that can be easily interpreted. Use a unique and hard-to-guess name.
• Create a password for guests: If you often have guests at home, create a separate network for them.
• Change the router’s default passphrase: Every router comes with a default passphrase, also known as WPA or security key. This is the password that connects you to the wireless network. Use a secure password that is at least 12 characters long.

You may also want to select higher security options. If your provider offers WPA2, use this security level. The second best network security options are WPA, with WEP being the least secure.

Keep your software up to date

The software is frequently updated to include security fixes and critical patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities and threats. One of the most effective steps you can take to improve your home network’s cybersecurity is to update your software regularly.

Install a network firewall

Installing a firewall on your home network will protect it from threats. It protects against unauthorized access attempts and blocks malicious traffic.

Most routers have a built-in firewall. Some have additional network security features such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) mitigation, web filtering, and access controls.

Make sure you enable your firewall as some are disabled by default. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your internet service provider for assistance.

Remove unused software and services

Remove any software or services from your network that you do not use to reduce network security risks. Many new computers come preinstalled with test applications and software programs called bloatware.

Not only can bloatware slow down the performance of your network devices, it can also violate your privacy.

Block your camera

We’ve all heard the quasi-joke Big brother is watching you. Sorry no more jokes.

Many websites and apps ask for access to your computer’s microphone and webcam. Only grant access if you are 100% sure the source is safe and trusted. If you do that, someone somewhere is watching you.

To ensure that no one, including those who do not ask for permission, can access your webcam, block your camera, put a piece of tape or a stamp on it to protect yourself.

Just in case – back up your data

By following the steps above, you will reduce the risk of attacks on your home or office network. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to be 100% safe from hackers.

Businesses need to back up their data regularly to protect it from infection, loss, or damage. Use a cloud-based service, external media, or a third-party backup application to automate and simplify the process. Don’t forget to encrypt the backup to protect it.

Then if you get hacked, at least you can recover.

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