Network Security ?

[Spawne32]

Gona be having important "financial" information now on one of the computers in my network. Its a home network consisting of 3 computers, microsoft router, westell wirespeed dsl modem, and just various anti virus software, cheap stuff. Any reccomendations on beefing up security? I have the firewall and ping blocker options enabled on the router but thats it.

 

[JackMDS]

You can also Hide, Encrypted, Password, and the folders with the touchy info.

There are many utils that do it, search the shareware sites.

:sun:

 

[OMG1Penguin]

Restrict access to these folders to your user account only (in security options, not share permissions), right click, properties, turn encryption on as well.

Make sure the drive is ntfs too~

 

[ScottMac]

If you decide to encrypt your information (file, folder, disk ...) I'd strongly encourage you to read the sticky at the top of the forum regarding MS encryption.

Bottom line: Keep a copy of your keys (if not the entire folder (files ...)) OFF OF THE SYSTEM AND SECURE ! If the system dies, and you don't have the keys, you won't have your information.

FWIW

Scott

 

[MedicBob]

as ScottMac says, keep the data or at least the keys off system as a back up. I would like to add, keep those back up's elsewhere, safety deposit box or fire resistant safe.

Remember physical security too, not just software security.

 

[Roadraider]

I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep the keys somewhere.

But if you want to beef up security, you need to prevent people from accessing the shares on your network which most people donot know how to properly setup.

To do that, install the IPX and/or the NetBEUI Protocol. Then, go to the Network Connections, Advanced, Advanced Settings. In the Bindings section DISABLE TCP/IP. That way people from the Net will NOT have access to your shares.

You can have all your sensitive info on the shares and it will be quite safe. If you want maximum security this way, use the NetBEUI ONLY since it has no IP (it is a simple protocol) so, there is absolutely NO way for anyone not physically in your network to access the shares 🙂

BTW, NetBEUI is much faster for networks with up to 10 computers (due to the lack of IP headers overheard). Over 10 computers though you loose that advantage.