The document lists 10 principles of home network security that course participants should be able to describe without documentation. These principles include changing default passwords and network names, enabling encryption, using MAC address filtering, not automatically connecting to open Wi-Fi networks, and assigning static IP addresses. While some principles may be inconvenient or impossible, implementing even a few can significantly improve security.

1. By: Todd M. Lowdermilk
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2. Course participants will be able to
correctly list and describe a minimum of
eighth of the ten principals of home
network security without the use of any
supplemental documentation.
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3. COAX Cable Modem
Line In WiFi Signal
Ethernet NAS
Cable
Ethernet
Router / Firewall
Cable
Ethernet
Cable
Camera
Computer Computer Laptop XBox
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4. 1. Position the Router or Access Point
Safely
2. Change the default SSID (network name)
3. Change default usernames and
passwords
4. Disable SSID Broadcast
5. Turn on (Compatible) WPA / WEP
Encryption
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5. 6. Enable MAC Address Filtering
7. Do Not Auto-Connect to Open Wi-Fi
Networks
8. Assign Static IP Addresses to Devices
9. Enable Firewalls On Each Computer and
the Router
10. Turn Off the Network During Extended
Periods of Non-Use
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6. It is important to note that some of these security measures
may not be possible due to limitations such as the
availability of cable and power connections in relation to the
position of the router or access point. Also, I’m not an avid
fan of turning my router off when I’m away for extended
periods of time or disabling SSID broadcast as they are
simply inconvenient.
However, if you implement even just a handful of these
security principals you can drastically lessen the chances
of your network being compromised.
Title Slide Image by:
Goehring, David (CarbonNYC), 2008, Flickr from Yahoo.
Accessed 28 Feb. 2012.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/carbonnyc/2294144289/
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