Computers are in use everywhere these days. It is not uncommon for people to have more than one computer at home, as well as bring their laptop home from work. When multiple computers are in the same location, it makes more sense to network them. Even at home! That way you can share the resources between all of the devices, like an Internet connection, a printer or hard disk space. As these resources become more important in our everyday life, they can contain information about our identity. Things like where we live, work, or go to school, where we bank or shop on-line. As this information is stored and transmitted between devices, it should be protected.

Computers are in use everywhere these days. It is not uncommon for people to have more than one computer at home, as well as bring their laptop home from work. When multiple computers are in the same location, it makes more sense to network them. Even at home! That way you can share the resources between all of the devices, like an Internet connection, a printer or hard disk space. As these resources become more important in our everyday life, they can contain information about our identity. Things like where we live, work, or go to school, where we bank or shop on-line. As this information is stored and transmitted between devices, it should be protected.

How susceptible is my computer to attack?
The hacking community is always discovering new vulnerabilities, or security “holes”, to exploit in computer software. The complexity and “rush to market” of software makes it increasingly difficult to thoroughly test the security of computer systems.

When holes are discovered, computer vendors will usually develop patches to address the problem(s). However, it is up to you, the user, to obtain and install the patches, or correctly configure the software to operate more securely. Most attacks could have been prevented if system administrators and users kept their computers up-to-date with patches and security fixes.

When holes are discovered, computer vendors will usually develop patches to address the problem(s). However, it is up to you, the user, to obtain and install the patches, or correctly configure the software to operate more securely. Most attacks could have been prevented if system administrators and users kept their computers up-to-date with patches and security fixes.

The following diagrams show three different home network configurations.
The first one is not recommended. No protection on an internet connection is a bad idea!

The next illustration shows a single computer behind a firewall.

The third illustration shows a full blown home network behind a firewall

The fourth diagram shows a slightly more complicated setup including a wireless access point. Included in the diagram is an example of how a hacker could potentially infiltrate a network through the wireless access point, which resides behind the firewall. That means the hacker is in and could potentially have free reign on your systems.

The bottom line is that if you want to protect your computer information, you need to know how computers communicate and how they work. Understanding that there are pathways in and software that needs updated, and programs like anti-virus software or software firewalls that need to be regularly updated with signatures and patches is a great start. Use the Internet to learn. Look at your software vendor’s websites for updates and be aware of new viruses and new vulnerabilities. Technology is ever changing; try to keep up with it!