5 Network Tricks To Save Hours Of Time

When it comes to safeguarding our digital lives, who better to turn to than the National Security Agency (NSA)? Known for its expertise in electronic spying, the NSA holds valuable insights into network security. Surprisingly, the NSA’s Information Assurance Directorate (IAD) offers a technical manual titled “Best Practices for Securing Your Home Networks.” But don’t let the title fool you – this advice isn’t just for homeowners. In our latest blog, we delve into the NSA’s recommendations, exploring how they can benefit not only home networks but also small businesses. Join us as we uncover these invaluable tips and tricks for enhancing your network security and protecting your digital assets.”

1. Reduce the use of Administrator Accounts

By default, your Windows PC account grants system administrator rights, whether explicitly labelled as “Administrator” or not. However, many users stick to this default account for all tasks, exposing themselves to online threats like malware. To mitigate this risk, create a standard account for regular use and reserve the administrator account for specific tasks, such as software installations or system configuration changes. Additionally, when using a standard account, you can right-click on a program’s icon and select the “Run as administrator” option when needed.

2. Make use of the full Disk Encryption (FDE) on Laptops

Laptops are frequently lost or stolen, posing a risk to personal information security. Traditional password protection may not suffice in preventing access by a determined thief. Full Disk Encryption (FDE) adds an extra layer of security by safeguarding not only specific files or folders but the entire content of your PC, including the operating system.

Although Windows 7 includes built-in full disk encryption through its Bitlocker feature, it’s only accessible in the Enterprise or Ultimate editions. (You can upgrade from previous versions of Windows 7 to Ultimate via the Windows anytime upgrade.) Additionally, there are various third-party FDE solutions available, such as Jetico’s BestCrypt and the open-source and free TrueCrypt.

3.  Update Your Operating System to 64-bit

Many companies justify their continued usage of Windows XP with the “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” approach. However, concerning security, XP is inherently flawed, and the mere ability to receive updates—provided you have Service Pack 3—does not address the security issues inherent in this outdated operating system.

Be aware that XP is now more than 10 years old. so the time to upgrade to Windows 10 has been much overdue. (When you upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 10, be sure to choose the 64-bit version instead of the 32-bit version as it is less difficult for criminals to hack into.)

4.  Utilize Your Router or Wireless Access Point

Nowadays the majority of ISPs offer cable/DSL modems equipped with integrated routers, Ethernet switches, and Wi-Fi access points. These all-in-one devices can be useful, but they leave your network’s security with your ISP instead of your own. (Many ISPs limit your ability to upgrade firmware, or modify or view settings on their hardware.) Set up your wireless access point or router and disable your ISP’s equipment instead of relying on a device you don’t control.

5.   Make Use of WPA2.

You’ve probably heard that protecting your Wi-Fi network by using WEP encryption is no superior to none. Even the far superior WPA is an extremely vulnerable attack particularly when short or dictionary-based passphrases are utilized.

For the highest wireless network security, opt for WPA2 with AES encryption, stronger than WPA’s TKIP. Be aware: Some devices lack WPA2 support (firmware updates may help). WPA2 can strain older access devices, potentially slowing network performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, safeguarding our digital lives is paramount in today’s interconnected world. As demonstrated by the insights provided by the National Security Agency (NSA), prioritizing network security is essential. By implementing key practices recommended by the NSA, such as reducing the use of Administrator Accounts, utilizing Full Disk Encryption (FDE) on laptops, updating your operating system to 64-bit, utilizing your router or wireless access point, and making use of WPA2 encryption for wireless networks, individuals and businesses can significantly enhance their network security. It’s imperative to stay proactive and vigilant in protecting our digital assets against ever-evolving threats. Collaborating with partners like AVIANET further strengthens our network security posture. It’s imperative to stay proactive and vigilant in protecting our digital assets against ever-evolving threats.

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