What would be your top 5 recommendations in relation to Network Security?

Ciaran

We all have different experiences in relation to Network Security. From you experience, what would be the top 5  recommendations or tips would your suggest?

Ajax

Are you looking for practical recommendations on a budget or best case scenario with unlimited budget? For a home or business?

Lee_Bo

I personally use PF Sense firewalls.  Easy to configure and use.  Probably overkill for the small home network.

Ciaran

@Ajax great question, and perhaps worth separating the question out (as both would be really useful). But initially I meant practical steps. Thanks

VioletChepil

@Ajax definitely these could be new threads Since we're getting things going here, definitely feel free to post those discussion in the devices and security category over here! https://community.fing.com/categories/devices 

Ajax

Lee_Bo said:

I personally use PF Sense firewalls.  Easy to configure and use.  Probably overkill for the small home network.

Sophos also do a free version of their UTM Firewall if you have a spare old PC to run it on. Really easy to configure and install and possibly more tuned to the home user: https://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-utm-home-edition.aspx

Romulus

I think my #1 recommendation would be keeping up to date with firmware updates, particularly your Router. But try not to make that your only line of defence.
So my top 5 would be:

1. Check/Update router firmware regularly
2. Disable remote access to router config
3. Strong router password
4. Keep up to date with software updates on everything else.
5. Run Anti-virus/firewall on your PC's

Jbaksh

Pfsense is a great open source option but for simplicity I recommend keeping your routers firmware up to date and also activating that feature as it is not always on by default on some routers. Also make sure your device is up to date to better protect it.

Rayzor

You might want to read this https://www.gadgetguy.com.au/five-steps-to-secure-your-iot-home-network-you-need-to/ as it gives five ways to secure IoT. Although I am leaning to putting the new D-Link McAfee router between the gateway and my standard router as the best way.

Marc

If we had sticky posts, @Romulus post should be a permanent mandatory read..  My #1, change the default router password to something complex.