| I would imagine that the thought of setting up a home | | | | Choose a password that is hard to guess, such as a |
| network is probably quite scary for the average home | | | | long string of random numbers, letters and symbols. |
| computer user. | | | | Otherwise you may just find that you no longer control |
| It isn't too difficult though as the companies that sell | | | | your router and that a hacker does. |
| routers have been listening to their customers and | | | | Encryption |
| have made the process as simple as possible. | | | | Once you have a secure password installed you will |
| That, however, has had a negative impact on network | | | | want to choose the correct type of encryption for |
| security. | | | | your network. |
| Remember that large corporations still have major | | | | The most common encryption type, and one you may |
| issues when it comes to the security of their networks | | | | well have heard of, is WPA. |
| - hackers still get in and deface websites, steal | | | | WPA encryption offers a high level of security and |
| information, etc, etc. | | | | has proven difficult for hackers to break through. |
| What chance, then, does the guy in the street stand | | | | It can be got around but doing so isn't easy and so it |
| with his new simplified router, trying to keep the bad | | | | should deter the casual attacker with ease. |
| guys out of his home network? | | | | If you have a newer router you can even take a step |
| Actually, he stands a good chance, as long as he | | | | up and run with the more secure WPAII. |
| follows some basic rules - | | | | Active Firewall |
| Secure Passwords | | | | My third and final tip for today is to ensure that you |
| My first tip is an obvious one - always use a secure | | | | have activated the router's own firewall. |
| password. | | | | A firewall is designed to block out intruders who may |
| This can be said for everything you do online, from | | | | try to access your home network via the internet. |
| using social networking sites to internet banking to your | | | | If you configure your router correctly then it will only |
| own router. | | | | allow authorised traffic to access your network. |
| When you buy a new router it comes with a | | | | It would also be a good idea to make sure that you |
| password by default. | | | | have activated any software firewall that you may |
| You should realise, however, that this password is | | | | have as well in order to enhance your computer's |
| most likely the same for every single router that the | | | | protection. |
| company sells - if you don't change it then a hacker | | | | There are, of course, more steps you can take to |
| will be able to guess it in seconds. | | | | secure your network but if you follow the above tips |
| When you set your router up follow the instructions | | | | you'll be going a long way towards keeping your home |
| that come with it to change your password | | | | network secure. |
| immediately. | | | | |