If you are being stalked, you are likely to develop an overwhelming sense of insecurity. Except if you hire a personal security team, almost no one enjoys being followed or thinking they are being followed. This is what a network hacker does. The only real difference between the hacker and the stalker is that stalkers will cause physical harm while hackers cause virtual harm.
This is why it is so important to learn some of the most common IT regulatory compliance solutions. This will help you prevent a hacker from being able to access the data that is stored in your network. Some of the top mistakes that may occur when you are trying to build and safeguard your network infrastructure can be found here.
Using a Password that Is Too Simple
One of the first and most important things you need to do when trying to protect your network is to encrypt the Wi-Fi signal for your network. Your router will dictate the industry security standard you must use. There are three that are now available, but the one that is most compatible with various client devices is WPA – Wireless Protected Access. This is considered the second most secure industry security standard that is available for modern routers.
When encrypting your network, you will go to the “settings” menu and then assign a password to your Wi-Fi network. The Wi-Fi network will be identified using a string of characters that are called SSID. Be careful when you select the password for this. While it may be convenient to use the names of your loved ones or street, these are all poor choices. You are not the only one who will know what this is. Another mistake many people make is writing down their passwords in a diary or another location that other people have access to.
The key is to create a secure password. To do this, use letters, numbers, and special symbols, but avoid creating a pattern.
Failing to Change the Default Settings
Your router will come with a default setting when you purchase it. Each router that is sold by a vendor is going to have the same settings. Another mistake that is commonly made when trying to secure your network is using the default settings provided by the vendor. Don’t fall into the easy trap of setting everything up without changing the default settings. You should secure the router by changing the IP address along with the provided login password.
Another common mistake is making your router’s IP address the same as the modem’s IP address, which is provided by your ISP. It is possible to change the IP address of the router by using the setup interface found on your LAN.
Leaving the Remote-Access Option Turned On
At this point, you are closer to making sure that hackers are unable to access your personal information and data. Another mistake you need to avoid is using the remote-access feature for the management of FTP – File Transfer Protocol – when you are not at home. This is a feature that allows you to enable network storage for routers on an external hard drive that is designed using USB ports.
Don’t make the mistake of using this feature or turning it on unless you know exactly what it means and what you are doing. If you do know what you are doing, make sure you use the right restrictions. A feature that many hackers exploit is the UP-n-P. If you have a device that uses this feature, it may change the router settings without having to log into the actual web interface.
Failing to Update the Firmware on Your Router
It only takes a minute to update the firmware on your router. Regular updates will improve your router’s performance and enhance overall security. It is a good idea, in some cases, to download the software and install it yourself. Regardless of the option you choose, don’t stop the update. If you do this, you may make your router permanently dysfunctional. When this happens, you are putting your network security at risk.
Also, don’t update the router’s firmware without first backing up your existing router settings. This is crucial since some updates may reset the router settings after an update is made.
When it comes to securing your network, there are more than a few factors to consider. If necessary, it is a good idea to hire a third-party service provider who can help you with the setup and securing process. Being informed and knowing what mistakes to avoid is the best way to ensure you get the results desired.
