Helpful Tips
Broadband Security
Security for your PC network at home is an endless topic. The security concerns when surfing online are well recognised and, in more recent years, security in our neighbourhood is an even closer threat.
The latest modems available now, whether ADSL or Cable, Optus, Telstra or whoever, are wireless with 4 port router capabilities. Previous modems can be wireless but with a single port to plug in or a modem may have no wireless capabilities at all.
Our new neighbourhood threat has come about because we are using more and more wireless options at home to get online. Businesses have been using wireless connections at work for a while and well recognise the risks. Their security measures are at the forefront of technology. It is thanks to them that the home user has well trialled, affordable options available.
If you don’t have a wireless network then your security risk is pretty much limited to your online activities through your PC and the main concern would be to ensure your firewall and antivirus software is regularly and automatically updated.
Wireless Security
Wireless modems and routers have their own security options accessible through their web pages. Choose the most secure option available. They’re not impenetrable but better than none at all.
Keep an eye on your daily download amounts. The local hacker is out to steal your download limit and cost you plenty as a result. If you see changes they’ll probably be big amounts. Unplug your modem power straight away and get help to change your security settings.
We cannot stop the serious hackers; they are professionals. There are countless books available everyday, at every book shop to show you how it’s done or direct you to programs online to assist you in being a "thief". I suggest making yourself aware of "how to steal this computer" manual if you like a good scare.
Back It Up!
You’ve probably already heard of the need "back it up" in light of the increasing threat of what we’ve been talking about. And "backing it up" is becoming just so easy and affordable for the smaller non-corporate user.
CD’s and DVD’s are a great way to store files cheaply and this has become even more convenient and portable with larger capacity flash memory sticks. But now external storage like a NAS or external hard drive via USB is probably the most basic option along with freely available backup software with auto scheduling. Regular backups just makes good sense and it’s painless with auto scheduling. The only pain would be if you lost everything and had nothing backed up.