How to make your verizon fios home network really secure
Recently I switched from Brighthouse cable to Verizon wireless for two main reasons;
A) Improved speed
B) Lower bundle price
I waited eagerly for the service guy to come and install my system. Four hours after he arrived he finished installing my new system, not bad, I thought. Got me a faster wireless router in a new sleek design. My computer seem to move really quick too!
After a brief moment of contentment came the moment of disbelief. As I watched the serviceman install the software into my laptop, I began to realized that the verizon setup was less than optimum. Heck, it was downright easy to hack! Ouch!!
After he left, I promptly logged into the new router and began the process of securing my new system.
1) The most important thing was getting rid of that easy to guess password and username! So I created a secure name and password for the router. A good password should not be a word, but eight or more alphanumerical characters made up of a series of letters and numbers with at least two letters in caps. Once this was changed. I was able to breath easier.
2) Now, came the real work. I renamed my home network. The SSID (name of the home network) was a joke. But, a new SSID does nothing unless you hide it! So, I hid the SSID, than changed it. Now, I was sure no would be hacker would be able to find my network. At least no script kiddie or amateur hacker.
3) When the tech was installing my system, I watched him encrypt the network, I thought great, but why did he use the 64 bit encryption when the system has the option of a 128 bit encryption? I asked him why, he said 'That is how we always do it.' I said, great. So much for real security. So, when he left, guess what I changed? Yes, I used a hex key with a 128 bit encryption. Anything else would be a too easy to crack.
With these changes I had made my system a lot more secure than the average home network around the neighborhood. I actually get a little smirk every time I turn my laptop on at home, why? Because when it starts, it scans and tells me there are 8 networks within range and half are not encrypted. The ones that are encrypted are broadcasting their SSID, or have weak encryption. I wonder if these people know how vulnerable there systems are? Probably not.
Well, average security is seldom enough, so I proceeded to my next step. Hardening my network.
4) A nice feature of the verizon system is the ability to create a network access list. So, on I went and entered my other computer's MAC addresses, and saved the access list. Now, I could finally feel secure. Well, as secure as this system allows me to be. Sigh.
With all of these changes, plus my firewall, and password protection to my sharefolders, and disabled sharefolders, I feel pretty secure, knowing my computers and my network is safe, protected, and secure.
How about you? How safe is your network? Are you giving away free internet service to your neighbors? You may wonder why you should be concern about giving free internet service, but, keep this in mind. If you do not secure your network anyone can use it to access the internet, and certain viruses can also access your network thru their computer and infect your computer. A good example is the Trojan.vundo it uses the network the infected computer is connected to, to infect other computers in the network. Think about that the next time you start your unprotected home network.
