Student Success Technology Services

Securing Your Home PC and Wireless Network

Patching your operating system

Configure Microsoft Update to automatically download and install the patches from Microsoft’s website:
  1. Using Internet Explorer, go to http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate and update your system. If you already have done this, then proceed to Step 2.
  2. Go to Start, Settings and select Control Panel. Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
  3. Double-click on System.
  4. Click on the Automatic Updates tab. Automatic Updates Tab
  5. Make sure that the "Keep my computer up to date" box is checked.
  6. Click on the "Automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule that I specify" selection.
  7. Select the frequency with which you want the updates to be downloaded and installed. Daily is preferred.
  8. Select the time at which you want the updates to be downloaded and installed. This should be a time when your computer is turned on and connected to the Internet.
  9. Click on the OK button.

To manually run Windows updates, using Internet Explorer go to: http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate

Use a Firewall

If you have Windows XP, you can turn on the built-in firewall with the following steps:
  1. Go to Start, Settings and select Network Connections. Start -> Settings -> Network Connections
  2. Inside the Network Connections window, right-click on one network connection and select Properties. Select Properties of Network Connections
  3. Select the Advanced tab and click the Settings button. Select the Advanced tab and click the Settings button
  4. Within the Network Connections Settings area, check the network connection to firewall and click OK. Check the network connection to firewall and click OK
  5. Repeat steps 3-6 for each network connection you wish to firewall.

Be sure to use a secondary hardware or software firewall

– the Windows XP firewall is only a small layer of defense. If you have a wireless router, there may be a built-in hardware firewall. Be sure to look at your documentation to verify there is and it's set up correctly. There are a number of free and non-free software firewalls on the internet:

Use anti-virus software and keep it updated

Use anti-spyware software – recommend using two together and keep them updated

Consider using a program like SiteAdvisor which will warn you when you are visiting a website that is known to have spyware or other bad stuff on it. If you are using Firefox (see below), you can also use the Web Of Trust add-on (free).

Important: Be aware of the programs you download from the internet – games, etc., commonly come bundled with spyware AND Trojans!

Secure your wireless network

The following steps should be taken regardless of what brand or model of wireless access point/router product you are using. More specific directions can be found in your product's documentation or on the vendor's website under "Support".

  • Use encryption – WPA or WPA2 encryption is better than 128-bit WEP encryption
  • Change the default router administrative password – otherwise anyone can guess it.
  • Change the default SSID – otherwise anyone can guess it.
  • Change the default IP address of the wireless router – otherwise anyone can guess it.
  • Turn off SSID broadcasting – this helps make your network less visible to others.
  • Turn off your wireless router when not in use.
  • Use MAC filtering – to allow only your device(s) on the wireless network.
  • Keep your firmware updated – Download the latest firmware revision from the manufacturer of your router.
  • Don't put computers in the DMZ – If your router has a DMZ feature, don't use it. It basically leaves devices outside of the firewall.
  • Use up-to-date Anti-Virus software and a firewall.
For more information:

Use Mozilla Firefox as your web browser

Use Mozilla Firefox instead of using Internet Explorer for your web browser. Get Firefox!