Security Corner – NSA’s recommendations for the most secure networks

Those of us at DCG continue to make your - and our - network security our highest priority. It's both simple and vital that you ensure both your home and business network is secure from malware, viruses and hackers.

The National Security Agency (NSA) published guidelines on network security that we feel are crucial when working to keep your network safe. Here are only some of the most important recommendations:

For the network:

  • Configure your small business or home network by using a personally-owned routing device that connects to the ISP-provided modem/router
    Disable Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)
  • Be sure firewall capabilities are provided
  • Implement Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) in lieu of the weaker Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) or the original WPA
  • Limit administration to the internal network
  • Implement an alternate Domain Name System (DNS) provider and strong passwords on all network devices

For personal computing devices:

  • Upgrade to a modern operating system and hardware platform
  • Install a comprehensive security suite
  • Limit the use of the Administrator Account
  • Use a web browser (such as Chrome or Safari) and PDF reader with "sandboxing" capabilities (avoids malware by limiting what an application can do)
  • Update application software and download only from trusted sources
  • Secure mobile devices

Download the NSA's Best Practices for Keeping Your Home Network Secure to read all of the recommendations in depth. And as always, contact us at DCG with any questions or to help you start putting each of the recommendations into practice.

About Dyan James

Dyan has been researching, writing, copyediting, and proofreading articles across a variety of industries since 1998. She further developed her interest and talent for covering technology while working with the guys at DCG Technical Solutions, Inc. Whether writing from scratch, copyediting or simply polishing, Dyan has mastered the art of turning rough copy or a plain idea into an eloquently written piece.