How Do I Improve the Security of My Home Computer - 10 Tips

Tip # 1  Connect to a Secure Network Once your computer is connected to the internet, it’s also connected to millions of other connected computers, which could, in turn, allow attackers to connect to your computer. Information flows from the internet to your home network by first coming into your modem, then to your router, which most people have, and finally to your computer. Because your modem doesn’t have security settings, it’s crucial to secure your router—the first securable device that receives information from the internet. Be sure to secure it before you connect to the internet to improve your computer’s security. If you don’t have a router, contact your service provider to learn how you can best secure your network. The default configurations of most home routers offer little security. Though it may seem cumbersome to spend time configuring your router’s settings, it’s well worth it because a secure router is one of the best initial lines of defense. To secure your router, consult its user’s guide, which will direct you to a predefined URL or IP address where you can do the following: •Configure the wireless network to use WPA2-AES encryption for data confidentiality. •Change the default login username, if permitted (refer to the user’s guide), and password. (The default passwords are published in manufacturer’s publications and are readily accessible.) •Conduct MAC address filtering (a form of whitelisting, or identifying wirelesslyconnected computers you trust).•Change the default wireless SSID. Learn more about each of these configurations and others in the document “Small Office/Home Office Router Security” (http://www.us-cert.gov/reading_room/HomeRouterSecurity2011.pdf)