wifi file sharing security
Prakhar Kumar Goel
hope you are in the best of your healths.
Here it goes- I have a desktop and a laptop sharing a common internet.
The desktop is "wired" to router and laptop is connected via "wifi" to
same router.
I also share files and data between the 2 computers over LAN (not
internet). And I have allowed root sharing of the drives in both
computer.
Its working fine. The problem is, the people next door are smart. So I
want adequate security measures to prevent misuse of my internet
connection and access to my files and data on both computer to
outsiders.
Measures already take:
1) I have enabled WPA2 wireless security in router, given a strong
password
2) changed the default username and password of the router, to a very
strong one.
2) changed the default username and password of the modem, to a very
strong one.
What more can I do to secure my files and data while sharing between
the 2 systems and also from the internet??????
Jizzai
I'm not sure what brand of router you have but I would usually carry out
the following extra steps:
Note: These are minor changes to make breaking in a bit more challenging.
* Turn off SSID broadcasting
* Turn off DHCP
* Configure an uncommon IP network (eg. everyone uses 192.168.0.0)
* Turn on MAC address filtering
* Keep firmware up to date
You will have to take these settings into consideration when adding a
new device, another laptop for example.
eg.
1. Set static IP on laptop
2. Add laptop to MAC address allow list
3. Turn on SSID broadcasting
4. Connect to network
5. Turn off SSID broadcasting
The router itself should have a built-in firewall, this is the first
line of defence to your network from the internet.
* Make sure NAT is turned on.
* Make sure the router is blocking incoming connections.
* Make sure "respond to ping" is turned off.
In my opinion, a wifi network should be classed as untrusted, so each PC
connected to a wifi AP should definitely be firewall protected.
Some free software recommendations:
* Antivirus: Cloud Antivirus or Avast!
* Software Firewall/Application Protection: Outpost Firewall 2009
* Keylogger Protection: KeyScrambler (free version = browser only)
* Application Isolation: Sandboxie (Good to isolate web browsers, email
clients etc.)
Last but not least, backup your router settings.
HTH.