The Cyber Defense eMagazine November Edition for 2023

To have the best chance of preventing digital intruders’ attacks, home networking equipment must be
configured properly and updated regularly. Here are seven best practices for improving your home
network security with a defense in depth strategy.
1. Responsible Network and Password Security
Managing a home network might sound daunting but, with the proper guidance, it is quite simple.
Many don’t realize they interact with modern home networking equipment by using graphical user
interfaces (GUIs) that allow point-and-click configuration and maintenance. All the following can be
configured using GUIs: the administrator account password, USB and cloud settings, configuration from
inside the network, wired administrator connection, segmentation, updates and resources.
Home networking equipment includes an administrator account for configuration. Out of the box, that
administrator account uses a default password, and, in most cases, you must change the administrator
account password for security reasons. If you are not forced to change the default, make sure to do so
anyway.
When changing your administrator account password, never reuse the default password or any easy-toguess
passwords, such as your physical street address or last name. If a digital intruder discovers the
make/model of your home networking equipment, they can find the default password by performing a
simple Internet search.
To see how someone could discover the name of your home networking equipment, use your phone or
laptop to search for wireless networks around you. The default name for home networks usually includes
the make and model of the network device.
2. Secure USB Devices and Connectivity
Modern home networking equipment usually includes USB connection capabilities. USB devices usually
include printers or flash drives but can also include external hard drives and other digital asset
repositories used to store private information.
Before plugging in, remember that once connected to the networking equipment, the information
contained on the USB device is available to all users on your network – including malicious ones loaded
with malware. And if a digital intruder accesses your network, they will have access to those USB-based
assets.
From a security perspective, the ability to plug a USB device into your home networking equipment is like
an open window in your house. If possible, you should disable the USB device connectivity from your
home network.
3. Secure Cloud Services and Connectivity
Cyber Defense eMagazine – November 2023 Edition 56
Copyright © 2023, Cyber Defense Magazine. All rights reserved worldwide.