Securing A Home Network

[Pegleg]

How do I do it?

I want to setup my home network for two desktops and two laptops all
running XP-Home SP2.

I am using a linksy router (wireless for the laptops, cat5 for the
desktops) connected to the Internet though a cable modem.

I understand networking (file & printer sharing) opens up the computers
to vulnerabilities from the Internet.

Each computer runs it's own security setup (either McAfee or Trend
Micro)

Is there a way to secure the network a one point (like the router) or
what other options do I have.

TIA


U.S. Navy Retired
Support Our Troops,
Question The Policy!

All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words:
freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.
Sir Winston Churchill

 

[Kerry Brown]

How do I do it?

I want to setup my home network for two desktops and two laptops all
running XP-Home SP2.

I am using a linksy router (wireless for the laptops, cat5 for the
desktops) connected to the Internet though a cable modem.

I understand networking (file & printer sharing) opens up the
computers to vulnerabilities from the Internet.

Each computer runs it's own security setup (either McAfee or Trend
Micro)

Is there a way to secure the network a one point (like the router) or
what other options do I have.

Are you worried about internal or external security? Most commonly people
are worried about external threats with home networks. This includes threats
via the Internet or a neighbour or someone else close by hacking into your
wireless. For the Internet the router itself provides some protection. Each
computer should also have a firewall and antivirus program installed. With
SP2 I find the Windows firewall combined with a router to be adequate for
firewalls. For antivirus they all work good enough. None of them will catch
every virus but all of them will catch most viruses. The important thing is
to keep the antivirus up to date. For the wireless it is important to use
the highest level of security that is supported by both laptops and the
router. The highest security is WPA followed by WEP. You'll have to look in
the manual for each device to see what it supports and how to set it up.

If you are worried about internal security i.e. I don't want my kids seeing
my accounting files or something like that then it is a much longer
discussion to set it up properly. We would need more infomation.

Kerry

 

[Pegleg]

Are you worried about internal or external security? Most commonly people
are worried about external threats with home networks. This includes threats
via the Internet or a neighbour or someone else close by hacking into your
wireless. For the Internet the router itself provides some protection. Each
computer should also have a firewall and antivirus program installed. With
SP2 I find the Windows firewall combined with a router to be adequate for
firewalls. For antivirus they all work good enough. None of them will catch
every virus but all of them will catch most viruses. The important thing is
to keep the antivirus up to date. For the wireless it is important to use
the highest level of security that is supported by both laptops and the
router. The highest security is WPA followed by WEP. You'll have to look in
the manual for each device to see what it supports and how to set it up.

If you are worried about internal security i.e. I don't want my kids seeing
my accounting files or something like that then it is a much longer
discussion to set it up properly. We would need more infomation.

Thanks Kerry,

Should have specified "external threat"...from what you have said I
guess we are in "ok" shape...each computer has its own firewall & anti
virus and they are kept up-to-date. I was just wondering if it was
possible to firewall at the router...short of using a hardware firewall.
The wireless side is encrypted although we live in a very remote area
with no one anywhere near us.

Thanks again.


U.S. Navy Retired
Support Our Troops,
Question The Policy!

All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words:
freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.
Sir Winston Churchill

 

[Kerry Brown]

Thanks Kerry,

Should have specified "external threat"...from what you have said I
guess we are in "ok" shape...each computer has its own firewall & anti
virus and they are kept up-to-date. I was just wondering if it was
possible to firewall at the router...short of using a hardware
firewall. The wireless side is encrypted although we live in a very
remote area with no one anywhere near us.

The very nature of a router gives you a reasonable level of protection. It
does NAT (network address tranlating). Some routers have some firewall like
features as well but any router gives you some basic protection. Sounds like
you are reasonably secure. Personally that's all I use and I can see several
wireless networks where I live. Computer security is somewhat like securing
your house. If someone really wants to break in or if you invite them in
then they can rob you blind. Most crooks are lazy. If you take reasonable
precautions they will move on to someone who doesn't.

Kerry