PAYING ATTENTION TO HOME NETWORK SECURITY

Surfing the internet at home used to be the stuff of science fiction movies and television shows. The idea that any home would even have or need a computer used to be laughed at, much less a computer that connects you to the rest of the world!  But as the use of the internet at home become more common, the concern for home network security has as well.  Many people are concerned about identity theft, viruses, and a host of other problems that they invite into their home through their own computer.  And of course those with children who use the computer and the internet are also concerned about what danger they could be facing.  Improving your own home network security is not that difficult or complicated; you don't need to be a software engineer or computer wizard to do so. Some simple steps are all that's needed and they can do a world of good in protecting you, your identity, your computer itself, and even your own family's safety.  Let's take a look at some of those basic home network security steps you can take.

Using Wireless

Many persons today are opting for a wireless modem to connect them to the internet rather than a phone line or cable. One of the biggest mistakes people make toward home network security is not locking their signal.  When you have a wireless signal, it is just sort of floating out there in the air and can be easily pirated by anyone with a wireless adapter. However, by locking your signal, you are telling your computer and the wireless provider that no one can use that signal without a password set up by you. One of the reasons this is important with home network security is because while someone can log onto the internet using your wireless signal, they may also be able to trace everything that goes on in your computer through the wireless signal.  If you do any type of banking or personal finance on your computer, it's not difficult for someone with a bit of computer knowledge to keep track of your keystrokes and therefore learn your user I.D., password, and all other financial information.

Setting up a locked wireless signal is not that hard and should be part of the installation process. Your program should prompt you for a password to lock the signal.  If you've already installed your wireless router and receiver and need help with setting up a password, don't hesitate to call your service provider and ask them to walk you through the process. This can be one of the best things you can do for your home network security, so don't delay.

Being Smart

Using parental locks, monitoring your computer's history, and keeping passwords safe are all common sense ideas, but you'd be surprised how many people ignore their home network security by neglecting these things. Computers are like cars - if you use them safely, you're chance of a problem is greatly reduced.