While a home network makes transferring files and sharing the Internet throughout the Home easy, it also makes it a bit easier for bad elements to enter the home network. Once a virus enters an unprotected network it can spread at will and the whole home will be affected. Luckily its quite simple to secure much of a home network. Wireless networks are especially at risk. If a wireless network is not secured, neighbors can easily access the resources that are on your network.
First we will discuss what you should do on each individual computer and then we will discuss what you should do for the network as a whole.
On each computer software such as Firewalls and Virus Scanners should be run. You should also have root directory file sharing disabled.
Firewalls
A firewall prevents unchecked data from entering and leaving your computer. You must approve the programs that are allowed to accept data from the Internet and the programs that are allowed to receive data. This stops spyware that reports back in its tracks and tells you that you need to run a few scans.
A firewall is now a critical part of Internet security, especially on laptops that connect to many different wireless networks.
Virus Scanners
Virus scanners scan your system for suspicious files and now they analyze file behavior for anything out of order. Since many viruses are now much more tricky and rely on stealth, regular updates of your virus scanning software is necessary.
Virus Scanners are even more critical for home networks as a virus that lives unchecked can spread throughout the whole network, making it much more difficult to hunt down and contain.
File Sharing
Sharing your root directory is a dangerous proposition, even more dangerous is allowing outside elements to edit and remove files. The best thing to do is to limit the shared directory to one directory and put files that you wish to share in that shared directory. Sharing printers is less of an issue.
Now we will discuss the network side of things as applies to a wireless network. A wired network does not require as much setup. Just change the default password. Read the documentation that came with your router to find out how to do that.
On the wireless router you will want to enable Encryption and the security features that the router has. On newer routers these features will be called WPA and on the older routers these features will be called WEP. Read the router's documentation on how to get to the administration screens. Select the highest grade encryption that you can, the higher the number, the more secure the encryption. Now you will want to change the routers default password or anyone can just login and change all the settings under your nose.
Some routers also have firewalls and filters that allow for an even more secure environment but these are more difficult to setup then their software counterparts which we talked about earlier in this article.
If you follow these guidelines and practice safe computing practices, you should have no problem with bad elements attacking your network and you should be able to keep your data safe from prying eyes. Remember if you have any questions about setting the parts of your network up, visit our Home Networking forums.