Add extra layers ofsecurity to protect youand your networks withthe help of Nick Peers.JUST HOWSECURE is your home network? These days,
it’s a crucial part of our everyday lives , connecting all
our home devices to each other and the wider internet.
But it’s also a target for hackers and other nefarious folk.
By default, the router or modem router you’re using will
be set up with convenience rather than security in mind,
which puts you at risk of being attacked.
Your network is primarily vulnerable to attack
from two vectors: first, by a physical incursion from
someone within the range of your Wi-Fi network. You’d
be surprised at its range—try wandering out front or
back to see how easy it is for your network to reach into
a neighbor’s yard or basement, or the sidewalk. If your
network isn’t protected by strong encryption (and an
even stronger password), then you’re at risk of at best
sharing your internet connection with a freeloader, or
at worst, opening your network to spies, hackers, and
more besides.
Then there’s the risk of attack from outside your
network. Did you know your router is configured by
default to be accessed remotely? If you haven’t changedthe password that came with it, chances are you could
have already been breached by a drive-by hacker,
scanning IP addresses and ports for vulnerabilities.
This in turn can lead to malware such as Trojans getting
on to your system, effectively providing hackers with
an open door to your network and its resources.
Thankfully, armed with the right tools and
techniques, you can close your network to attack from
both outside and in. Over the following pages, we will
focus on locking down your gateway to the internet,
namely your router. We’ll help you determine if it’s
time to get a new model, plus show you what settings
add extra layers of security to place a host of hurdles
in any hacker’s way.
Once your router is secured, we’ll reveal how to
quickly check all your devices are secure, plus show
you how you can securely connect to your home
network while on the road as if you were sitting
at home. Settle down, strap in and prepare
to give any would-be hackers and
freeloaders a nasty surprise.ULTIMATE
NETWORKING
SECURITY
GUIDE
networking security guide