CheckYourNetwork.net - Securing Your Home and Small Office Network
What are the best practices to secure your home or home office network against attacks, virus' and phishing? Follow the rules below and it will help tremendously.
- Install anti-virus, run daily and check for updates at least once a week. Use auto update feature if possible. Always scan attachments befre opening them. Always scan external media (floppies, CD's flash disks) before opening them.
- Use an Internet Firewall. Configure settings based on the work you do.
- Keep your software updated, especially your browser if you are using Internet Explorer. When possible use the auto update feature provided by vendors.
- Use strong passwords for your email, ISP and Instant Messanger (IM) accounts. Don't use the same password for multiple places, especially websites you frequently visit.
- Intall and anti-spyware program and run monthly to inoculate your system from any new spyware programs. Two popular programs are Spybot Search and Destroy and Lavasoft Ad-aware. Run both tools for better protection.
- Be careful while using email. Don't open email from people you do not know. Use spam filtering when possible. Don't open executable attachments, even from people you do know.
- If you are running on a wireless network, configure security opeions for your access point so neighbours cannot connect to your network.
- If you use Instant Messaging, configure the security options to only allow messages from people you know. Disable the ability for people to IM you files, pictures and other types of content.
- Configure security options on your web browser. If possible disable ActiveX.
- Backup your files regularly to removeable media (CD-R or external disk drive).
