Protecting Your Home Broadband Computer

Abstract

A home broadband connection opens opportunities for working from remote locations and staying connected at unusual hours. It also opens the potential for malicious attack from outside sources and potentially provides a backdoor for compromising workplace security. This article covers basic items that may harden the home computer against attack including a physical firewall/router, a software firewall, anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and anti-malware software. Additional measures include limiting folder sharing, keeping up to date on software patches, and being aware of current security issues. References point to sources of further information.

Key Words:

• Computer security
• firewall
• anti-virus software
• anti-spyware
• hotspot
• wireless networking